One Championship Posts Impressive Social Media Growth Following Myanmar Event

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), hosted a blockbuster event in front of a packed Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar last Friday, 30 June, posting record-high social media growth statistics. ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION saw Myanmar crown its first ever world champion in any sport, electrifying a raucous crowd cheering on its new champion in front of a global audience.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship stated: “The atmosphere in Yangon was absolutely incredible. It was an emotional moment for our new world champion, and an amazing achievement for the nation of Myanmar. Broadcast to millions of people all around the world, ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION was a magical evening of authentic martial arts action, true warrior spirit, and unbridled bravery.”

For the night of 30 June, ONE Championship posted record-breaking social media numbers, enjoying another sharp acceleration of its audience reach, scale, and engagement numbers. The organization gained more than 80,000 new fans on the evening -- a four hour affair that featured nine spectacular martial arts bouts including the blockbuster main event. The overall social media statistics registered 5.4 million video views on the day, including over 3.2 million video views with 80 thousand shares for the main event recap.

In data sourced directly from Nielsen, Facebook and Repucom earlier this year, ONE Championship continues to experience exponential growth for 2017.

Everything's A-OK with Wazzup Pilipinas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Try singing the song below with the Sesame Street soundtrack as music:

Another Blogging Day 

Attending lots of events today 

On my way to where the food is free 

Can you tell me how to get, 

How to get lots of Tokens and Freebies 

Come and play 

Everything's A-OK 

Friendly bloggers there 

That's where we meet 

Can you tell me how to get 

How to get lots of Tokens and Freebies... 

How to get lots of Tokens and Freebies...

How to get lots of Tokens and Freebies...

The way to deal with haters and detractors, aside from being better, is to make fun of their ridiculous accusations. Maybe they'll realize that they're like the Pacquiao-Horn boxing match judges ...Horn may have won based on the technicalities, but the people have chosen their real winner.

Some of us are just too obsessed in being on top, that we forget the real meaning of blogging.

Why so serious?

Fighting crimes won't effectively work if we're like the dark and deadly Batman of the graphic novels. We should be more like your friendly neighborhood Spider-man who pokes fun of even himself to creatively come up with seemingly crazy but sincerely unique ways to confuse and distract the enemy.

Nowadays, we should make an effort to help everyone to be on their best form. We don't ridicule or bash the ones we feel inferior based on our standards. We should instead guide them towards the right way, by being friendly and helpful enough to encourage and inform them that there's a much better way.

I believe everyone just gets misguided along their way to setting and getting their goals in life, that they get blindsided at some times when crossing the roads leading to their destinations. We all need to get some sort of Waze app to map out the best way for us.

Just remember that it's not only reaching the destination that makes the road trip fun, but on how we spent our hours, days, weeks, months, or years, during the lengthy journey we could easily relate to as life.

And thus I am re-introducing our Wazzup Pilipinas jingle below:

Ano man ang iyong hilig... 

Ano man ang iyong ibig 

Kahit saan ka mang panig 

(Wazzup Pilipinas) 

Pagkain man o pag yaman 

Biyahe man kung saan saan 

Kahit na sino pa ang iyong angkan 

(Wazzup Pilipinas) 

Wazzup Pilipinas, 

halina at libutin ang ating mundo 

Wazzup Pilipinas, 

aming ibibigay ang inyong gusto 

Wazzup Pilipinas, 

ang show na ito'y para lang sa inyo 

Wazzup Pilipinas, 

tutok na... 

sa Wazzup Pilpinas 

(Wazzup Pilipinas, 

Wazzup Pilipinas, 

tutok na sa Wazzup Pilpinas, 

Masaya sa Wazzup Pilipinas!) 

Libutin ang mundo, 

kainin ang gusto 

Alamin ang tamang daan kung pano ang umasenso 

Kasama ang buong tropa ng Wazzup Pilipinas 

Aming ibibigay sa madla at ipapadanas 

Ang saya ng Wazzup Pilipinas 

Tutok na sa Wazzup Pilipinas 

Ang saya dito sa Pilipinas 

Ihahatid sa inyo ng Wazzup Pilipinas

The song has more than just lyrics. We have a full working soundtrack professionally done and composed by experts. You could search for it online at our YouTube channels. There's even one without vocals so you could sing with your own cover.

Some are saying that music could even sooth the savage beasts, and it may also work on those misfits of the blogging community. 

Those who think blogging should be strictly following or conforming to a particular ethical standard should think more than twice since they're trespassing on private property.

Blogging is meant to be personal - full of sincerity, passion, and aspirations. When you try to control or influence us to think like the majority, just because you believe your self-righteous groups are doing the most acceptable, you destroy the real essence of blogging.

Wazzup Pilipinas will forever be truthful to the origins of blogging, yet still open to the developments that would further make it a great outlet for our longings, creativity and generosity in sharing our stories so that other may learn from our experiences.

Filipino Stalwart Rocky Batolbatol Hungry to Get First Win in ONE Championship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When Rocky Batolbatol directed his career path to ONE Championship nearly three years ago, he was once touted as a promising Filipino talent from the beautiful city of Bacolod in the Philippine province of Negros Occidental.

However, the luster of his billing as a top-notch prospect slowly faded when a string of setbacks came his way.

The 31-year-old Bacolod City native suffered a second-round submission loss at the hands of Aussie standout Martin Nguyen in his November 2014 promotional debut.

Batolbatol encountered the same fate in his second ONE Championship outing as he tasted a first-round submission defeat to Dutch-Indonesian journeyman Anthony “Archangel” Engelen in February 2016.

A victory under the ONE Championship umbrella remained elusive for Batolbatol as he yielded to up-and-coming Singaporean martial arts superstar Christian Lee via first-round technical knockout in May 2016.

Determined to break his three-match losing skid in Asia's largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Batolbatol makes his return to action by squaring off with Indonesian combatant “The Terminator” Sunoto on ONE Championship’s inaugural card in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Gem TV Asia Soars High This July with Top-Notch Entertainment

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sony Pictures Television invited us to celebrate the best of Asian entertainment on Gem Night, held on July 5 Wednesday at 7pm at Dohtonbori, Cullinan Prime Building, 8 Missouri St, Greenhills, San Juan City.

GEM, the gem of Asian entertainment, marks a milestone in cable television programming as it celebrates its first year anniversary in the Philippines!

It will showcase the quirky world of Japanese variety shows, unique games, and more!

Dohtonbori serves the Okonomiyaki Experience where a server gets to cook our food infront of us. We may have smell like the dishes served, but the experience seeing our food up close and quickly getting edible is truly something rare.

To match with the theme of the show, the people behind the local Gem TV Asia held the Gem Night event at Dohtonbori which was attended by several members of the media, including bloggers.

Attendees were also asked to create our own paper-folding creations we all know as Origami. They were later used as our raffle entry to win some Gem TV Asia merchandise. However, I am not really that lucky with raffle draws so my work never got picked.

But since I was the early bird, I got to persuade the organizers to give me something as a reward for being so punctual..Lol!

Eat, Learn and Play: A Quick Guide to Exploring Bonifacio Global City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whether you’re into food, arts, or fitness, this business hub has something you’ll love.

Bonifacio Global City is a wonderful mix of modernity and culture. Exploring it will give you a feel of that soul, befitting of its moniker “home of passionate minds.” If you’re craving for a little adventure or just want to know the place better, here’s a handy guide to help you with.


EAT

Start your day with an awesome breakfast, or brunch if you will, in any of the restaurants at Bonifacio Stopover. Choose from fresh Japanese fare, familiar Filipino staples, and no-frills fast food. Go for whatever tickles your taste buds!

If you find yourself craving for comfort food in the wee hours, you can head straight here as some merchants like Recovery Food, FamilyMart, and Jollibee are open 24 hours.

Bonifacio Stopover is located at Rizal Drive corner 31st St.

For the poshest bars and clubs in the metropolis, look no further than The Fort Strip, home of Privé Luxury Club, Jill’s, and Club Haze. BGCitizens love to hang out here for after-work drinks, to go clubbing, or just chill.

Youth and Student Leaders File Ethics Complaint vs Aguirre as Fake News King

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Youth group Millennials Against Dictators [MAD] on Wednesday filed before the Ombudsman an ethics complaint against Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre for 'repeatedly making false accusations and allegations' and his 'refusal to take responsibility for his actions'.

The complaint also seeks Aguirre's removal from office.

Factory of fake news

"Aguirre is a factory of fake news", declared Shamah Bulangis, one of the complainants.

According to the complaint, Aguirre on June 7, 2017 made it appear in a press conference that Senators Bam Aquino, Antonio Trillanes as well as Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano and former Aquino administration political adviser Ronald Llamas were connected to the recent Marawi crisis.

He also alleged on February 23, that some embassy officials had been compromised by the Korean mafia and that the latter was involved in the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

In both cases, Aguirre refused to take responsibility for his false statements despite being called out in public, according to Bulangis.



Lying through gritted teeth

"Aguirre lies through gritted. He knows that. We want to send a message that this government must stop lying", quipped Karla Yu of MAD.

The complaint was also filed by Andrei Buendia of the Ateneo Debate Society, Anna Mercaldi of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Fatima Tolentino and Nikki Nicolas of the San Beda College of Law Student Government, Julie Corridor of UP Diliman University Student Council, sociology student Rae Emmanuel Echaveria and Jonna Roldan of the De La Salle University-Manila.

DOTr Remits PHP25.78-B Income to Treasury

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Revenue-generating agencies and offices under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have remitted a total of PHP25.78 billion to the National Treasury in 2016.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) makes up the bulk of remittances with PHP21.35-billion for 2016. It is followed by the: Maritime Industry Authority (PHP1.12-billion), Toll Regulatory Board (PHP934-million), Office of Transport Security (PHP831-million), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (PHP689-million).

Income from all agencies has been transmitted to the Bureau of Treasury in full.

Remittances for the first quarter of 2017 amounting to PHP7.095-billion have also been turned over to government coffers. The LTO has so far contributed PHP5.76-Billion this year, followed by MARINA and OTS with PHP294-million each.

“The DOTr has one of the biggest appropriations and we have some of the most ambitious projects. But, what others do not know is that we are also contributing to the government in every way we can,” said Transportation Sectretary Arthur Tugade. “Pinaaayos ko ang koleksyon ng walang walang bahid ng korapsyon upang makapag-ambag kami ng tama at nararapat sa gobyerno,” he added.

Apart from this, three Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) under the DOTr were also among the top state-owned companies with the highest dividends remitted to the Treasury.

The Manila International Airport Authority remitted PHP2.26 billion, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines remitted PHP1.98 billion, and the Philippine Ports Authority remitted PHP1.95 billion worth of dividends for a total of P6.2-billion, almost half of the total PHP14.02-billion transmitted by GOCCs in May.

Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Darling of the Press Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Darling(s) of the Press that were voted by members of the media, including Wazzup Pilipinas, on July 5, 2017 at the poolside of Diamond Hotel Manila, during the press presentation.

Amidst the scorching heat because of the event scheduled to start at around 10:00 am, the press presentation featured the 40 stunning candidates who all further heat up the poolside of the hotel wearing their green two-piece swimsuits. The press presentation ended at around 1:00 pm after the announcement of winners for Darling(s) of the press. Further interviews were also done after the event. 

Acting as hosts for the day were the reigning queens of Miss Philippines Earth for 2016 led by Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Loren Mar Artajos (former Miss Philippines Water from Laoag City), who was crowned with the highest title after the resignation of Imelda Schweighart due to some controversial issues.

The other Miss Philippines Earth 2016 beauty title holders were all present namely Miss Philippines Fire Maria Fatima Al-sowyed, Miss Philippines Air Shannon Rebecca Bridgman of Rosales, Pangasinan, Miss Philippines Water Melanie Mader of Vienna and .Charinna Barro, Miss Philippines Earth Eco-tourism.

Now using the power of social media, the pageant audience can witness processes never before seen from the past search, using the power of livestream running on the Miss Philippines Earth Facebook page.

The grand coronation night on July 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena would surely be a highly anticipated event not only for the new Miss Philippines Earth eco-warriors, but also for the audience whom are all delighted to see who among the 40 candidates would stand out and become the new Miss Philippines Earth 2016.

Allergic Reactions? It may not be in the Air After All

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the changing of seasons, it is not surprising that there will also be an increase in the cases of allergies especially among children. As such, one of the ways to safeguard your child’s health is by identifying the root cause of the allergy. However, what many may not know is that allergies need not be caused by airborne particles. In fact, many allergic reactions are stimulated through skin contact.

According to Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), most people experience allergic reactions from dust and pollen. But some may also get allergies from mold spores, pet’s hair or dander, as well as from common irritants such as perfumes or hair sprays, laundry detergents, among others, that can be found sticking to your clothes.

These allergens may be present in clothes that have not been thoroughly rinsed or may be present in clean and newly washed clothes due to the molds that have accumulated in the basin of traditional washing machines.

Beko Philippines, one of the largest home appliance brands in Europe, noted that these hidden dangers often cause allergic reactions in both kids and adults alike.

Dyeun Zapanta, Sales and Marketing Head of Beko Philippines, underlined that even if your newly-washed clothes look neat and clean, it does not mean that they are free from allergens. Standard wash and dry cycles used in the traditional washing machines usually do not remove the allergens that we are exposed to in our everyday lives.

“Bacteria and allergens can survive and stay in the washing machine even though your clothes appear fresh and clean. With this, the brand innovated a technology that will guarantee you and your family’s protection against these allergens,” added Zapanta.

Beko integrated the Cool Hygiene 20°C Program in all of its washing machines. This technology is also designed, especially, for garments that require special care, such as baby clothing or garments for people who have allergies or are sensitive allergens. It allows you to maximum hygienic cleaning results even at a low temperature of 20°C. Thus, it keeps clothes looking as good as new while assuring your family’s health and protection.

Using additional drum movements and sensitive temperature control, this specially-revolutionized program provides an anti-allergic wash by maintaining the temperature at a certain level. This provides sensitive control throughout the wash cycle. Zapanta said further, “Health has always been one of Beko’s top considerations. As we continue to aspire as the ‘Official Partner of the Everyday,’ all of our products are innovated to give the best home solutions for your everyday challenges.”

Strengthening its local presence as it approaches its second year in the Philippines, leading European home appliance brand Beko further penetrates the Filipino market. Since 2015, Beko Philippines already doubled its distribution in the country. The company has also tripled its sales through enhanced and domineering product line that continuously meets the need of the Filipino market.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit their website at www.beko.ph

SAP Names Scott Russell President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SAP SE announced that Scott Russell has been appointed president of SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ). In his new role, Scott will be responsible for growing SAP’s business and presence in the APJ region, including Australia/New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. He brings more than 20 years of experience in management, technology and consulting to this role.

“Our customers are looking to SAP for a vision of their digital future and for flexibility and choice in the way they consume technology,” said Jennifer Morgan, SAP Executive Board Member and president, Americas and Asia Pacific Japan. “In a region as diverse as APJ, the opportunity has never been bigger for SAP to continue to transform our customers’ businesses and help them grow and thrive in the 21st century economy. Scott’s vision and commitment to the customer, together with his impressive technology background and leadership experience, make him the right leader to help write the next chapter of SAP APJ’s growth and innovation story.”

Scott was previously president and managing director for SAP Southeast Asia (SEA). He was instrumental in driving strategy, operations and sustainable growth for SAP across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and other emerging markets in SEA. Between 2014 and 2016, he was the chief operating officer (COO) for SAP in APJ. In this role, he was responsible for providing leadership and direction to SAP’s multifunctional sales and operations organizations, driving productivity improvements and significantly contributing to the achievement of revenue and profitability targets. Prior to the APJ COO role, he was senior vice president of SAP APJ Services. Before joining SAP, Scott was a managing consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and led the Systems Integration and Application Maintenance business for IBM Australia New Zealand.

“SAP is an innovation-driven company that has helped enterprises and small and midsize businesses digitalize and simplify, and our innovation is inspired by our vision to help the world run better and improve people’s lives,” said Russell. “The fourth industrial revolution has created unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally improve the state of Asia — across society, the economy and the environment. By infusing our innovation into our purpose, SAP’s innovative solutions, built on SAP HANA® and in the cloud, empower private and public organizations in Asia Pacific to become sustainable digital businesses.”

He continued, “I am honored to lead the APJ business and to help create long-term value by addressing customers’ current and future needs with our end-to-end industry solutions.”

Scott succeeds Adaire Fox-Martin, who held the position of president of SAP APJ from February 2014 to April 2017. Adaire was recently promoted to the SAP Executive Board and together with Jennifer Morgan leads Global Customer Operations. Adaire oversees the SAP business in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Greater China.

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

#DenimUnbound: Genderless. Universal. Limitless.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Genderless. Universal. Limitless. This is #DenimUnbound . Denim is celebrated in SM Men and SM Youth’s hot runway show held at SM Makati last July 1. It was attended by fashionistas and screaming fans. This fashion show is in preparation of SM Men and SM Youth’s freshest denim releases, to be in all The SM Store branches next week.

SM Men and SM Youth throws the ultimate denim fashion show that will highlight the universality of denim with Denim Unbound, a genderless, universal, limitless, display of the best in denim from SM Men and SM Youth’s most recent denim collection.

An interesting walk in the runway was witnessed as SM Youth ambassadors led byTommy Esguerra, Richard Juan, Janna Tee, Kaila Estrada, Kyle Perry, Macauly Lofgren and Erika Kristen, as well as #SMYouthGoSee Season 2 ex-contestants Chelsea Manalo, Ethan Salvador, Mariah Jovett, Justin Llarena, and Klaudio Gutierrez takes place.

On the said fashion show, Nico Bolzico unveils the newest face of #SMMenDenim. He is Argentinian businessman, polo player and popularly known as husband of TV host /actress, Solenn Heusaff.

Kaila Estrada

Janna Tee

Richard Juan

Tommy Esguerra

About the SM Ambassadors:

Tommy Esguerra, PBB ex-housemate and part of Coverboys who have a much-awaited sizzling number in ASAP every Sunday.

Richan Juan, PBB ex-housemate and has a hosting career in TV.

Janna Tee, aside from modeling she’s a writer.

Kyle Perry and Kaila Estrada are both winners in SM GO-see Season 1. Kaila is the daughter of Celebrities, John Estrada and Janice de Belen.

Macauly Lofgren and Erika Kristen are the new face of SM Youth.



You can catch them again on their next fashion show this coming July 22 - 4pm at SM Mall of Asia.



For more information, follow:

Twitter & Instagram: @SM_Men and @SM_Youth

Facebook: facebook.com/SMyouthlifestyle

The World’s Smallest Homes

Wazzup Pilipinas!
As we grapple with the housing-backlog issue, perhaps these tiny yet sustainable homes may provide an answer

According to McKinsey Global Institute, addressing the worldwide shortage of affordable housing could cost $16 trillion by 2025. On the top 50 cities facing an affordability gap, New York tops the list, with Mexico City being the 15th hardest place to find a reasonably priced home. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and Manila also make the list.

Home-builders and owners are starting to think laterally in reaction to the shortage of available space. Tiny homes or “micro homes” are growing in popularity. But it is not just the global housing crisis that is driving the small house movement. Some people are moving for economic reasons, green living, simpler living, and the shared economy is making ownership of equipment less of a necessity. Lamudi has taken a look around the world and discovered some of the most inspiring micro homes across the planet.


Colorado Couple Go Small and Make a Film

Christopher Smith and his partner decided they had had enough of city living and decided they would live in a 124-square-foot (11.52 square meters) mobile in the middle of nowhere. It has a small galley kitchen, a sleeping loft, and for storage, they use built-in bookshelves. Their documentary is called “A Story About Living Small.”



German Efficiency

Renzo Piano, famed for London’s Shard, has recently turned his attentions to micro homes. “Diogene” is a prototype for a tiny house built for Vitra—a German furniture company. Amazingly, it collects, cleans, and reuses water, and supplies its power through solar modules. The house is just 79 square feet (7.340 square meters).

Tofarm Film Festival 2017: Planting the Seeds of Change

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) lights up the silver screen with six new and original films to mark the second edition of the TOFARM Film Festival.

“We are very pleased to announce that the TOFARM Film Festival 2017 bears new fruits that affirm Filipino film making genius,” says award-winner Maryo J. De Los Reyes, TOFARM Film Festival director.

“These exciting new films aim to capture a greater audience with their commercial and mass appeal, not to mention the inclusion of young and veteran actors among the cast members,” he adds.

The six official entries were chosen from more than a hundred scripts submitted to the screening committee. Shortlisting the entries alone was no easy task as the numbers of entrants rose to 113 from 76 submitted last year.

“The figures alone are a sure sign that we achieved one of our goals during the previous TOFARM Film Festival, and that is to elicit awareness and excitement among filmmakers to craft films that reflect the life of Filipino farmers,” De Los Reyes observes.

3 Transpo GOCCs Transmit P6-B Dividends to Government

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Three state-owned agencies under the Department of Transportation were among the top corporations to transmit the highest dividends to government coffers in May.

The Manila International Airport Authority remitted PHP2.26 billion, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines remitted PHP1.98 billion, and the Philippine Ports Authority remitted PHP1.95 billion worth of dividends.

The three Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) are among the top 5 state-owned companies to remit the highest dividends to the National Treasury, making up the bulk of the total PHP14.02-billion turned over to the government for 2016. The figure is around seven times higher than 2015 remitted dividends.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade instructed CAAP to remit under his term, after not turning over PHP6.31 billion worth of dividends to the National Treasury from 2011 - 2015.

Other transportation agencies among the top GOCCs to remit dividends are the Cebu Port Authority (PHP295-million) and the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (PHP170-million).

In a bid to enhance transparency and increase revenue, the Department of Finance earlier revised the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 7656 or the Dividend Law. Under the new IRR, corporate income tax returns filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue will be used for the dividend computation.

The transparency measure is consistent with Secretary Tugade's anti-corruption efforts. He also directed revenue-generating agencies under the DOTr to improve collection in order to contribute to government funds.

“We are not just a policy-making agency. We are also generating revenue contributing to the National Treasury in order to help fund projects and programs of the administration. Kaya ang bilin ko sa GOCCs, sundin niyo ang batas at ibigay ang tama at nararapat sa gobyerno,” Tugade said.

Transportation Heads of Philippines and Germany Sign Accord on Cooperation in Maritime Transport

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and the German Federal Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BMVI) State Secretary Michael Odenwald signed today the Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation in Maritime Transport between the Philippines and Germany.

The LOI aims to further strengthen the existing friendly ties between the Philippines and Germany in the field of maritime transport, through the expansion of activities to promote cooperation such as: conducting regular talks to discuss proposals; the development and implementation of certain projects of mutual interest; the organization of training courses in the field of business and maritime transport; exchange of information concerning the investigation of marine accidents; cooperation in marine pollution prevention; cooperation in the field of ports and maritime equipment, research, training, and staff development in the field of maritime transport.

“[This Letter of Intent] will firm the maritime relationship between the Republic of Germany and the Philippines. This document has been pending for a number of years and after that, lo and behold after barely three months we will sign the letter of intent,” DOTr Secretary Tugade said.

Earlier this year, the two leaders met in Germany where they had initial discussions on prospects and possibilities “to develop and implement projects of mutual interests, specifically in the fields of maritime, aviation, road transport, among others”.

Cusi: Let's Get Energy Projects Moving

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) today emphasized the need to streamline regulatory processes for energy projects to speed up the provision of stable and affordable energy throughout the country.

Upon his assumption as Energy Chief, Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has been strongly pushing for a sound policy that will ensure energy projects are carried out on time.

Supporting this call, President Rodrigo Duterte issued on 30 June 2017 Executive Order (EO) No. 30, creating an Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) led by the DOE that will spearhead and coordinate national government efforts to harmonize, integrate and streamline regulatory processes, requirements and forms relevant to the development of energy investments in the country.

The Council will maintain a database of information and a web-based monitoring system for information exchange and updates to uphold transparency and accountability.

“The Council will guide the various agencies in speeding up their regulatory processes for the fast realization of energy projects to be tagged as "Projects of National Significance’ under the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP)," Cusi explained.

“The PEP sets the vision for our energy affairs in order to deliver the objectives of Dutertenomics, particularly in identifying energy projects that need to be built and constructed on schedule,” Cusi pointed out.

Cusi further emphasized, “The longer the processing of energy projects gets, the more expensive it becomes, which could also impact on the delivery of energy services and their affordability.”

The EO provides that government agencies concerned with energy projects should presume other agencies were able to act upon and issue their respective permits within a 30-day period.

“Given that energy investors have complete requirements, cutting down the period of issuance of permits will certainly speed up the realization of energy projects,” Cusi assessed.

The EICC will be chaired by the DOE and shall be composed of representatives from various national government agencies and relevant energy institutions (e.g., Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, National Power Corp., National Transmission Corp., Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and other relevant government agencies).

Aleron Wins Top Prize in All-Male Category in International Choir Competition in Germany

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aleron, the alumni ensemble of the Ateneo de Manila High School Glee Club under the musical direction of Christopher Ong Arceo arrived recently after participating in the 10. Förderkreis Internationale Chortage Mainhausen from June 9-11, 2017 bringing with them the good news !!!!!.

Aleron garnered a Gold Certificate, and placed first in the ALL-MALE CATEGORY, besting choirs from Europe and South America.

According to the judges, what set Aleron apart from its competitors was its stability in sound while presenting something unique with each competition piece, showcasing the group’s versatility. These were most evident in their praises for the interpretation and performance of the compulsory piece “Die Linien des Lebens sind Versheiden” by Heinrich Poos and Philippine National Artist Francisco Feliciano’s “Pamugun.”

The Förderkreis Internationale Chortage Mainhausen is an international event celebrated in Germany, in the villages of the Mainz and Zellhausen regions. Since 1988, the choral community has been meeting in Germany to present and enjoy music of a high caliber. The competitors and the visiting audience enjoy the hospitality of the villages and communities in this region. The competition requires a high degree of musical literature and artistic expression.

Aleron, translated from Latin as "the winged one," is geared towards exploring the male choral soundscape. Through innovative programming and the performance of repertoires across musical styles and genres, the group aims to deliver to its audiences a diverse and unique choral experience.

Aleron first came into existence in 2006 as the alumni ensemble of the Ateneo de Manila High School Glee Club under the musical direction of Christopher Ong Arceo. Today, the group is composed of male choristers from different backgrounds: most of which are from the Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines musical networks.

For further information, please check info@aleronchoir.com.

Google I/O Extended Cebu 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

JCentre Convention Hall was fully booked and action packed as more than 1000 students, developers, tech enthusiasts attended this year’s Google I/O Extended.

Remembering Google I/O Extended 2015 with 50 attendees and Google I/O Extended 2016 that multiplied to 500 participants, this year’s Google I/O Extended did not just match its previous count but also doubled the population with a total of 1036 participants.

The whole day event was composed of a series of keynotes, talks, breakout sessions, and workshops on topics such as Internet of Things, Firebase, Progressive Web Apps, AR and VR, Machine Learning and TensorFlow, Android: Kotlin, Accelerated Mobile Pages, Polymer and 2017’s Web Trends.

The event was organized by Google Developers Group Cebu (GDG Cebu), a non-profit group of amateurs and professionals in Cebu's developer community who are passionate about Google technologies. The I/O Extended Roadshow is made possible by its General Sponsor: Google, Event Partners: ASUS & ZenFone AR and Accenture, In-Cooperation with Kyocera Document Solutions Development​ Philippines Inc., with support from Symph, event’s Official Internet Provider, Globe - GoWiFi, and its Official Media Partner, PR Works.

There was also a part of the program where the sponsors also had a chance to share their latest products and company culture with the participants such as ASUS introducing ZenFone AR and Accenture talking about opportunities at their company. Sponsors also setted up a booth for attendees to get to see and try their exhibits.

The I/O Extended Roadshow kicked off in Cebu, while there is a plan for GDG Cebu to go to other areas such as Bohol, Dumagete and Tacloban. For more information about I/O Extended Cebu 2017 and other upcoming events of GDG Cebu, you can go to their website at gdgcebu.org or the event site at ioextended.gdgcebu.org. You may also follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ under GDGCebu.

Reason Why Jeff Horn won over Manny Pacman #Pachorn

The question is did Jeff won the fight? Boxing is a very serious business, you cannot overlook and underestimate anyone. I think the Guy Josef above is a Manny fan, But he speak from the Mind after seeing its performance #pachorn Most of the boxing fans including sports superstars because of the result. That is normal because fans make fights. If your in doubt about the score Press mute and watch again video coming from Online, US, AU and Philippine Press. 

Paris Delice: More Than Just a French Pastry Shop

Wazzup Pilipinas !
  
French-style fast food, a welcome alternative to the usual dining establishments in this busy Makati neigborhood. 

Makati Avenue of Makati city has Paris Delice among its numerous list of restaurants along the area. You would soon discover that it is not only the bread and pasties that are adored here but also the salads, soups and sandwiches.

Denim Unbound with Nico Bulzico as Brand Ambassador for SM Men Denim at SM Supermalls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At a venue filled with younger Millennials, my companion and I were feeling fashion bloggers covering the newest #SMMenDenim ambassador, Nico Bolzico, along with the SM Youth ambassadors at the #DenimUnbound event of SM Supermalls.

Together with SM Youth ambassadors like Tommy Esguerra, Kaila Estrada, Richard Juan, Janna Tee, Kyle Perry, Macauly Lofgren and Erika Kristensen, and also with #SMYouthGoSee Season 2 ex-contestants namely Chelsea Manalo, Ethan Salvador, Mariah Jowett, Justin Llarena and Klaudio Gutierrez, we have Nico Bolzico now on the runway as he is launched as the newest SM Men ambassador for #SMMenDenim at the #DenimUnbound event held at SM Makati.

For those who do not know Nico Bolzico, he is the husband of Solenn Heussaff, celebrity, entrepreneur and model as well.

Find out what Nico whispered into my ear when I attempted to interview him after the launch.....hehehe ..It was a shocking revelation...too much to handle for little ol' me.

Seriously, I asked the guy on how often he washes his jeans, and he said "I don't think I even wash my jeans." or something to that effect. I'm sure he was just joking but many could really relate to the fact that most of us use our jeans or denim for several days, even weeks, before we send them to the laundry.

Be sure to check out the video interview we did amidst the very noisy venue brought about by DJs playing loud music to set the mood.

Pacquiao-Horn Boxing Match Result: Who Really Won or Has the Philippines Stopped Giving a Fuck?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pacquiao:Why are you hugging me?

Horn: It's because I feel so Horn...y 

Jeff Horn defeated Manny Pacquiao after 12 Rounds with an Unanimous Decision to win the WBO Welterweight Title.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao finds himself on the end of yet another bad decision!

Judging by all the twitter reactions and drama from the Pacquiao - Horn boxing match. We all need to re-watch and weigh in (see what I did there?).

One of the 3 judges (the one who scored it 117-111 Horn) just called ESPN fake news. Utter disgrace.
True enough, this looks like a remake of the Pacquiao - Bradley first fight where Bradley badly pummeled but won even though it was clear that Pacquiao beat him. Pacman has also gotten judges benefits before. It should be 0-3–1 vs Marquez 0-2-2 at best. This, ladies and gentlemen, is boxing.

I'd like to feel bad for Pacquiao, but from all accounts he sounds like kind of a dick with all those neglect he has done as a Congressman, and now Senator. Plus the relentless ramblings of misinterpreted Bible quotes.

"I think you cannot spend so much time as a senator and expect to be a world class fighter" say Bob Arum.

However, it works both ways, unfortunately. You also cannot spend so much time boxing and training and expect to be a good senator. Both ways, you cannot serve two masters. If Manny does not pick one soon, he will end his career a loser and nothing more but a memory of a once a hero who put the Philippines in the global map. Either you retire a hero or fight long enough but continue to lose in the hands of these judges.

Pacquiao is an all time fighter who's been the Philippines' hero for a long time (except for his political affiliations). But it's time to hang it up his gloves ..and also leave the government. Retire now, please!

There was a fight scheduled today for Pacquiao, but unlike the past years when everyone stayed home and was glued to their television for pay-per view or free TV, or on their computer monitors for livestreaming (causing almost zero traffic congestion), nowadays people of the Philippines seem to longer give a fuck about the Pacman's fights.

Who would be interested watching him fight an opponent that is almost the same age as his children? Lol! The unknown Horn has very little impressive boxing portfolio. No wonder there was no great interest about the fight.

But never fear, for the organizers of the fight took good care of Horn.

I didn't know it's National Hug Day in Brisbane, Australia. Some are saying that if you thought Horn won, you are either a judge from that fight, blind, or Australian.

Pull me in close. 

Bite my lip.

Groan in my nape. 

Whisper in my ear...

Aussie Jeff Horn wins the title of Miss Congeniality!

But some are saying Horn landed the cleaner elbows, headbutts & headlocks while taking more punches to the face, so he won.

Whatever is the case, there are also conspiracy theories that this was all deliberate. They intended Horn to win so the people will demand for a re-match. If Pacquiao won, Bob Arum would need to look and promote for another boxer to compete against Pacquiao. That would definitely never be a seller.

Has anyone even checked the bets? Maybe someone won a huge sum of money from the Pacquiao loss. That's another thing to consider investigating. 

As we all know, boxing is a business, just as it is connected to gambling, where you win high if you know the most probable results or if there was an intentional rigging done for mutual benefits.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Loses, Jeff "The Hornet" Horn is New WBO Welterweight Champion of the World!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Final punch statistics favored Manny Pacquiao, but Jeff Horn won WBO welterweight championship.

Do we start questioning the judges'  decision?

I knew it..I freaking knew it. What the hell do you expect when you're fighting in the man's country?

Many would say Boxing lost all credibility with that decision.

Horn fought incredibly dirty but got away with it. This is atrocious! He used everything. We saw some headbutting in close, some forearms, hitting behind the head. Whatever works!

Sorry...pero katiting na lang po ang natitirang fans ni Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao sa buong neighborhood namin....sa buong city... sa buong region,...sa buong country....sa buong universe.

Parang wala lang...Walang may interest sa kanyang laban...sa di naman kilalang boksingero.... Not only because his opponent is a mismatch to himself....It is also because the fool speaks of religion as if he understands it.

Ang daming kung makapag-sabi ng Bible quotes ay akala mo holy, pero laman ng utak naman ay pagkakakitaan - puro kabig ang gusto...yan ang mga pulitiko

He should never have entered politics. His greed is ridiculous, and his alliances are questionable.

Pacquiao hasn't knocked out nor forced a stoppage since becoming a shitty congressman in 2010. Politics definitely made him weak.

I used to love him when he was still a boxer...but when he entered politics and started his senseless ramblings on religion, I could swear I will punch him right in the face when I hear him say anything close to Amen!