ePLDT Receives Global Accreditation for its 2nd VITRO Data Center in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ePLDT, Inc., the industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines, recently received a global accreditation for its newly inaugurated VITRO Data Center in Cebu City. NTT Communications now recognizes the new robust facility as part of its network of Nexcenter-certified data centers, which are located in more than 140 locations in 18 countries.

All Nexcenter-accredited data centers passed rigorous in-house parameters set by NTT Communications, ensuring that all facilities meet the globally consistent data center standards in service quality, flexibility and cost efficiency.

NTT Communications employs consistent operational procedures across all its data centers worldwide, backed with the benchmarks set by international certifications and operational guidelines such as ISO and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

To date, ePLDT carries a total of five Nexcenter-accredited data centers that are in Makati, Pasig, Paranaque, Clark and Cebu.

“This accreditation comes at a very opportune time for the company as we recently launched our premiere data center in Cebu,” said Eric Alberto, ePLDT Group President and CEO and PLDT-SMART Chief Revenue Officer. “As part of the international network of the state-of-the-art data center facilities around the world, VITRO Cebu 2 is now more capable of offering technology solutions to businesses that are looking to expand their operations in the region. Similar to other Nexcenter-certified data centers across the globe, VITRO Cebu 2 is positioned to empower both local and multinational businesses with global scalability that conforms with NTT Communications’ consistent data center standards and service quality.”

VITRO Cebu 2 is ePLDT’s 10^th data center facility in the country to date. It houses up to 800 racks, completing ePLDT VITRO Network’s 9,150 total rack capacity. These data centers are interconnected by Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology, which enables consistency of services across the VITRO Network. For instance, SDN minimizes the cost and complexity of backing up and replicating data from one VITRO site to another, therefore not only optimizing IT infrastructure resiliency but also providing geo-redundancy. 

According to Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, VITRO Cebu 2—with its global accreditation—will help drive economic growth by attracting more investors to build their business in the region and optimize its operations by colocating in a premiere data center.

“Knowing that there is a state-of-the-art data center in Cebu will help secure the growth of Cebu-based businesses and will help attract more investments in one of the country’s fastest-growing economies,” Ramos said. “Our new VITRO Cebu 2 Data Center will help drive positive economic impact in Cebu, ensuring that businesses meet their demands for managing and safeguarding mission-critical data from natural and operational catastrophes.”

Built from the ground up, VITRO Cebu 2 has 12 layers of physical security, which is one layer more than what other VITRO Data Centers usually have.  Furthermore, the server farm is also built with fire-rated walls that can hold fire for up to six hours. VITRO Cebu 2 also uses high-grade security technologies, including finger-vein scanning features, CCTV cameras, and 24/7 monitoring and surveillance.

Jovy Hernandez, Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT and SMART Enterprise Business Groups, said: “Our network of VITRO Data Centers answers the need for more robust infrastructure in supporting the operations of growing enterprises across the country. With globally recognized accreditation and industry-leading best practices, we can readily provide the best solutions for colocation, security, connectivity and disaster recovery, among others. These inspire fearlessness and peace of mind in customers and allow them to focus on expanding their business.”

For more information about ePLDT, please visit the website at www.epldt.com.

MARINA Rolls Out Ship Modernization Program

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started rolling out its domestic ship modernization program through an information campaign in Batangas City on 03-05 September 2018. 

The MARINA, along with the Development Bank of the Philippines Leasing Corporation (DLC) and Department of Finance (DOF), oriented 80 motorbanca owners and operators from region 4 on the importance of upgrading wooden-hulled motorbancas into either steel, aluminum, or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats. 

"Safety of life at sea is primordial to MARINA and ship modernization is a step towards attaining this objective," MARINA Domestic Shipping Service Director Sonia Malaluan said citing the motorbanca modernization as the first phase of MARINA’s domestic ship modernization program. 

As it is committed to provide full support to its stakeholders, the MARINA has partnered with DOF’s Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) to open the Municipal Development Fund (MDF) to motorbanca owners who will modernize their boats. 

To further aid the motorbanca owners, the MARINA will also provide incentives, capability, and capacity building, as well as guidance in establishing cooperatives that can offer additional financial support during the implementation of the program. 

MARINA’s information campaign will continue in different provinces across the Philippines aimed at clarifying issues of coverage, exemptions and transitions under the program. 

With the shift from wood to a technologically-advanced hull materials, the MARINA expects domestic vessels to be faster, efficient, and resilient for the enhancement of maritime safety in the country. 

Aside from ship modernization info campaign, you may also see info on how to track your goods order.

34 Cities, Municipalities Recognized for Outstanding Education Efforts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Recipients of Seal of Good Education Governance

get incentives from PLDT, Smart

Thirty-four cities and municipalities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were recognized yesterday for their outstanding efforts in improving the quality of basic education in their communities. Seventeen of them will be conferred the Seal of Good Education Governance, while the rest will receive the Jesse Robredo Award in Education Governance, named after the late interior secretary and longtime mayor of Naga City.

Recipients of the Seal of Good Education Governance plus an Incentive Package from PLDT and Smart:

1. Bacnotan, La Union
2. Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya
3. Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
4. Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
5. Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya
6. Diffun, Quirino
7. Navotas City, Metro Manila
8. Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
9. Maribojoc, Bohol
10. Mambusao, Capiz
11. Concepcion, Iloilo
12. Lambunao, Iloilo
13. Leon, Iloilo
14. Mina, Iloilo
15. Cagayan de Oro
16. Datu Paglas, Maguindanao
17. Bongao, Tawi Tawi

Recipients of the Jesse Robredo Award in Education Governance:

1.    Vigan, Ilocos Sur

2.    Agoo, La Union

3.    San Fernando, La Union

4.    San Gabriel, La Union

5.    Santol, La Union

6.    Dao, Capiz

7.    Ivisan, Capiz

8.    Argao, Cebu

9.    Ajuy, Iloilo

10. Alimodian, Iloilo

11. Cabatuan, Iloilo

12. Lemery, Iloilo

13. Maasin, Iloilo

14. Miagao, Iloilo

15. General Santos City

16. Parang, Maguindanao

17. Upi, Maguindanao

All the 34 local government units (LGUs) met the Synergeia Foundation’s criteria for good education governance. To qualify, they must have reinvented their local school boards and organized functional school governing councils. The cities and municipalities must have also reduced the number of non-readers and frustrated readers in their locality by at least 20 percent.

Moreover, their cohort survival rate (the percentage of first graders who went on to sixth grade) must be higher than the national average of 80% or must have increased by at least two percentage points. The LGUs must have devoted an increasing amount of their budget to education.

Synergeia – a coalition of individuals and organizations working closely with LGUs – started giving the Seal of Good Education Governance last year to promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in the delivery of basic education by local governments. It received 350 LGU nominations this year, which is higher than last year’s 250 submissions.

This year’s results were deliberated upon by Synergeia trustees and representatives from PLDT, Smart Communications, and SGV Foundation.

As an incentive to the Seal holders, PLDT and Smart will provide technology packages suited to the LGUs’ respective circumstances and needs. Among the possible incentives are:

• Installation and maintenance of Smart Wifi in the LGU’s nominated university
• Provision of InfoCast, a web-based solution that will allow the LGU to broadcast announcements and receive feedback via text message
• Smart School-in-a-Bag, which contains a solar panel to serve schools without electricity, mobile devices, curriculum-based educational content, teacher training, monitoring, and evaluation

All recipients of the Seal of Good Education Governance will get smartphones and a cash prize from PLDT and Smart. On top of these, thousands of individuals from each of the 17 Seal recipients who will sign up for KasamaKA will get a free three-month micro-insurance coverage from FINTQ, the financial technology arm of PLDT-Smart digital unit Voyager Innovations. KasamaKA is a community-based, self-help, income-generating, and inclusive ecosystem-building movement.

“We at PLDT and Smart hope that these technology tools would help the country’s outstanding LGUs deliver quality education to their constituents. We recognize that tech solutions to challenges in education work only when major stakeholders pursue innovative learning programs,” said PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto.

ShopFest Set to Become the Philippines’ First Stop for Year-end Shopping

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Resolving information asymmetry for shoppers by helping them locate lifestyle purchases and best buys tailored to their needs.

Starting your year-end shopping has never been better with ShopFest, a four-month long shopping festival organised by ShopBack, your one-stop lifestyle e-commerce portal empowering smarter online purchases. With over 300 Stores participating online, ShopFest, which will be held from 1 September to 2018 to 3 January 2019, will introduce you to a new world of online shopping where you will not just get the best value for your money but also amazing cashback!

ShopFest is catered to bring together online marketplaces in the Philippines to provide you an effortless shopping experience while empowering sales in the digital economy. ShopBack is committed to its mission to help its Filipino customers get the best savings and convenience out of their online shopping, making shopping more affordable for Filipino customers with all the must-have vouchers, promotions and cashbacks at their fingertips.

“Christmas countdown starts in September for all Filipinos and that’s the main driving force for us to spend during the year-end period,” said Mr. Prashant Kala, Country Head of ShopBack Philippines. “With this consumer insight in mind, we set out to construct a meaningful platform that efficiently connects both retailers and shoppers  for the year-end period when shoppers are prepared to spend in preparation for the most important festive season of the year.”

ShopFest is set to become the first stop for year-end hassle-free shopping by onboarding over 300 participating retailers to satisfy all your shopping needs. ShopFest with its partners will impact the 6 major sales event (9.9 Rewards Day, 10.10 Perfect Ten, 11.11 Singles’ day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, 12.12 Online Revolution and Christmas & New Year sale) as shoppers explore the endless number of deals with ShopBack’s platform, contributed directly by the participating retailers.

From grocery shopping, health and beauty, to travel needs and dining, ShopFest’s partner retailers such as Booking.com, Lazada, Traveloka, Foodpanda, and more are gearing up to give the best deals to customers when it comes to lifestyle shopping.


Gamifying shopping journeys to deliver the ultimate experience for shoppers

To further elevate the joy of year-end shopping, ShopBack created the ShopFest Ultimate Experience together with other participating online retailers. Shoppers get to earn points by performing the following actions:
Making purchases via ShopBack during ShopFest and/or
Searching for special keys to unlock Treasure Chest via the ShopBack app

“Booking.com is delighted to partner with ShopBack for ShopFest Ultimate Experience. With over 28.9 million accommodation listings available on Booking.com across the globe including everything from homes, villas and apartments to world-class hotels and resorts, we provide accommodation options for every kind of customer throughout the region. That’s why we are providing the ShopFest Ultimate Experience Grand Prize, so Shoppers can go out and stay in some of the amazing places we have on offer. Connecting travellers with unique places to stay anywhere in the world is the reason Booking.com exists.” Said Stewart Jones, Regional Director of Strategic Partnerships, APAC, Booking.com.



ShopFest, by ShopBack

Since ShopBack’s launch in the Philippines in 2015, the company is now a dominant player in the Southeast Asia e-commerce cashback market. Having established its presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan and most recently, Australia, ShopBack is well on its way to becoming every online shopper’s top pick for a cashback site.

For more information about ShopBack, visit www.shopback.ph or download the ShopBack app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store. Follow Shopback on Facebook www.facebook.com/ShopBackPhilippines/ and Instagram @shopbackph. Also, do not forget to check out the biggest year-end shopping sales at www.shopfest.ph.

Five OFW Jobs in Japan You Didn't Know About

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipinos value their families above all else. They will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, even if it means traveling to different countries and taking on challenging jobs to earn a living. Japan has long been a popular choice for OFWs because of the high pay and quality of life. As of 2017, Filipinos are the third largest group of foreign workers in Japan. 

With Japan’s aging population, the country is looking to hire even more foreign workers. But aside from hiring caregivers, domestic helpers, and other common jobs you might see online, here are a few unique jobs that might catch your interest.

1. Tokoshu Seiso: The Lonely Death Cleaner
Many OFWs work as housekeepers and domestic helpers, but there is another kind of cleaner needed in Japan. With an aging population, Japan has an increasing number of kodokushi or “lonely deaths.” Thus, there is also a high demand for tokoshu seiso—people who are hired to clean up the deceased person’s belongings. It is not a simple task, knowing that the owner of the house has passed on, so the cleaner usually says a prayer for the deceased person before entering the place. 

Watch this video to see a Pinoy tokoshu seiso in action. 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/759278184241078/posts/1055207234648170/

Youtube: http://bit.ly/BDOKabayanJAPAN

2. Ninjutsu: Part-time Ninja Trainers
Filipinos are known for their talents in singing and dancing, which is why a lot of entertainers get hired to work on theme parks and cruise ships. In Japan, some establishments are also looking for “ninja trainers” to help promote tourism and teach kids all about ninja etiquette. So if you’ve always dreamed of being a ninja and have a few stunts up your sleeve, then this job is for you.

3. Sakura: The Decoys
Also known as a “hospitality supporter,” the decoys are hired as fake guests in weddings, meetings, or other events. One company also offers fake lovers and funeral guests. Since Pinoys are naturally friendly and sociable, this is a good option to consider.

4. Narabiya: The Professional Queuer
Imagine you’re standing in line, waiting for your turn to get your driver’s license renewed, when you suddenly remember that you left the stove on at home. What do you do? Call someone to stand in line for you! In Japan, it’s totally possible. And if you’re willing to do this for a few hours, you could earn as much as JPY 15,000 (PHP 7,000).

5. Kensetsu Sagyo-in: Construction worker for the 2020 Olympics
Preparations for the upcoming Olympic games in Tokyo are in full swing! Huge stadiums and other structures are being built and Japan needs to hire more people to get them done on time. Whether you're a carpenter, engineer, or architect, you'll most likely find an opening to suit your skill set. Not only will you be able to work in Japan, you'll also be able to say that you're a part of this historical event.

If you're an OFW, you work hard to earn money, grow your savings, and prepare for your family’s future. No matter what the job entails, you're willing to make sacrifices and do the work to be able to send money for your loved ones.

While they find ways to earn for their families back home, BDO finds ways to safeguard their keep and provide innovative options to send this money to their loved ones.   With 5000+ Cash Agad partners, 4000+ BDO ATMs, and 1000+ branches nationwide; BDO makes it easy and convenient for beneficiaries to withdraw the remittances. 

For more information, you may visit this link (https://www.bdo.com.ph/kabayan-remittance-services). 

Magnificent September Auction 2018 at Leon Gallery Features Breathtaking Masterpieces

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Art, Antiques, and Exceptional Historical Memorabilia 

León Gallery is pleased to announce The Magnificent September Auction 2018 featuring important works of Philippine art, fine antiques and furniture on the 8th of September 2018, starting at 2PM at Eurovilla 1, Legaspi Street corner Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

This auction is in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, as part of its Funding the Future project in order to raise funds for its academic endeavors in modernizing its programs in terms of research and artistic exchanges in the contemporary visual arts. Works donated by renowned contemporary artists shall be auctioned off, in part, to benefit the programs of the MCAD.

Headlining our sale of Philippine art is an important work by National Artist Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco. “The Nose Flute” (1955) depicting a courtship ritual of two lovers in the context of the Cordilleras. It is considered as one of the finest masterpieces made by the artist in his lifetime and was once owed by Lovina-Palileo family. This work is considered as one of the best and biggest masterpieces of the artist and was painted during his best period. Also, this was last seen by the public in 2012 when it changed ownership and has taken a decade to make its way back to the country.

A major highpoint of the upcoming auction is “Pila sa Bigas (Queuing for Rice)” a mixed-media work by Vicente Manansala. It features 17 ordinary folks all lined up and with tin cans waiting for their turn to buy or maybe even ask for rice. Another fantastic work by the artist is “Mga Sabungero (The Cockfighters)”, all from the collection of the late Ambassador J.V. Cruz.

Another highlight is “Saeta 52” (1958) by the foremost abstractionist Fernando Zóbel y Montojo. This painting has been repatriated back in the Philippines. It was first exhibited at the prominent Philippine Art Gallery (PAG) and is considered as one of the rarest large-scale canvasses of this series by Zóbel. This is considered an exceptional painting because there are only 10 known paingings of this size painted by the artist and most of these are in museums and public collections already.

“Cross-Section/Ascension” (1956-57) by the modernist Alfonso Ossorio is one of the most riveting symphonies of color that the expatriate Filipino-American artist has ever produced. It is believed that Ossorio painted this for his friend Jackson Pollock since it was done right after the death of the latter who was on his way to Ossorio’s house in the Hamptons when he had a tragic car accident.

Painted by Fernando Amorsolo, “Dalagang Bukid (The Country Lass)” (1927) is considered as one of the earliest known works centered on Amorsolo’s ideal muse in his idyllic rural pastures bathed in sunlight. The work has a stellar provenance and was previously owned by the painter Fernando Zóbel.

Other important works or art include a masterpiece by National Artist Jose Joya, “Carnival” (1964), rediscovered from the Mark and Naheed Houshmand Collection and two important works from the “Stations of the Cross” series by Ang Kiukok.

Commanding pieces from BenCab, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, H.R. Ocampo, Nena Saguil, Lee Aguinaldo, Juvenal Sanso, Romeo Tabuena, Malang Santos, Pacita Abad, Romulo Olazo and Romulo Galicano, Manuel Ocampo, Ronald Ventura, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Rodel Tapaya, Emmanuel Garibay as well as the works of today’s young guns, Mark Justiniani, Jose John Santos III, Keb Serda, and Louie Cordero are also highlights of the forthcoming auction.

Significant pieces of antique furniture are also featured in this auction, carrying distinguished pedigrees attached to them. Furniture designed and carved by the master Eduardo Ah-Tay and his Binondo workshop, known for their impeccable workmanship and meticulously detailed carvings of Filipino and Chinese motifs are highlights in this sale. A significant piece is a four-poster Ah-Tay bed commissioned by the Pardo de Tavera Family, one of the most affluent families in the 19th century. Also included is a pair of estilo Louis Quinze arm chairs done in the third quarter of the 19th century also done by Ah-Tay.

One of the gems of this auction is a kamagong cabinet crafted in the second quarter of the 19th century from the estate of Dr. José Fernandez Fabella, one of the pioneers of modern Philippine healthcare system and the Secretary of Health in Quezon’s cabinet. This cabinet was carved with fine inlays of carabao bone and actuated on its top with urn-like finials, which have been lined with silver and lanite. Important furniture featured from the collection of Dr. Alejandro Roces Legarda is also on offer. A secretary desk (better known as an escritorio) drawn from the Edwardian-style of the 20th century that has been created from narra.

Noteworthy in this sale are items of fine Philippine objet d’ art, starting with a gilded silver monstrance used in receiving in communion of the Catholic liturgy, made in the second quarter of the 18th century and a set of 19th century ornate silver crowns commissioned to adorn religious images; both have been sourced from the Richard and Sandra Lopez Collection.

Exceedingly rare and historically important documents such as the “Decalogue” or Ten Commandments of the Katipunan which was handwritten by Andres Bonifacio will also be included in the auction. A letter from Josephine Bracken to El Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo plus a letter from National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal to the Scottish millionaire based in the Philippines, Mr. Alejandro Macleod, whom he personally thanked for giving shelter to his sisters, Lucia and Trinidad.

Once a recruit was inducted into the society, their ranking shall be determined by the “Kataastaasang Sangguinian” (Supreme Council) as represented by a ceremonial medal featuring two crossed bolos. These important documents and artifacts were sourced from the collection of the eminent Philippine scholar Epifanio de los Santos, whose literature and scholarship helped in detailing the true narrative of the Philippine Revolution.

It is fitting that in anticipation of the release of an upcoming film “Goyo” featuring Gregorio del Pilar, military memorabilia from his own regiment will be on the auction block. Two epaulets and hand-drawn designs of the revolutionary uniform created by none other than Juan Luna will go under the hammer. These designs were commissioned by his brother, General Antonio Luna.

The preview of “The Magnificent September Auction 2018” shall run from September 1-7, 2018 at León Gallery located in Eurovilla I, Legaspi Street corner Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

For more information, visit www.leon-gallery.com, call +632 8562781 or email us at info@leon-gallery.com

More photos can be foundcat our Wazzup Pilipinas Facebook page at https://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Smart Boosts Communication, Preparedness Efforts in Legazpi City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Residents of Legazpi City, Albay, can now benefit from Smart Infocast, a text message broadcast solution developed by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications.

Smart Infocast is a web-based platform that can send out several short message service (SMS) to a specific group of people as defined by an organization.

In the case of the governing body of Legaspi City, the facility can readily send out news broadcasts, weather bulletins, and other critical information to residents via text message, making it an effective emergency communications solution for the LGU. Smart Infocast also allows registered subscribers to send reports or feedback to the system administrator.

Gracing the launch of Smart Infocast are representatives of Smart and the city and provincial governments, led by Mayor Noel Rosal, Gov. Al Francis Bichara, and PLDT-Smart chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn and consumer business for customer development regional head John Palanca.

“Smart Infocast will enable the Legazpi local government unit to communicate with the constituents in times of calamities and help in information dissemination, using our cell phones. It will make connecting with all the 70 barangays here in Legazpi so much easier,” said Rosal.

FDCP and Intramuros Administration Partner for #WeAreIntramuros Film Challenge

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Combining film artistry with appreciation of heritage and history, the Film Development Council of the Philippines has partnered with the Intramuros Administration to launch #WeAreIntramuros, a 24-hour filmmaking challenge focusing cultural awareness on Filipino values. 

During a Press Conference held last August 30 at FDCP's Cinematheque Centre Manila with Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, Chairperson Liza Dino explained that this activity is in line with the aim to encourage more young filmmakers to explore their creativity and craft. "This challenge will surely need our filmmakers to be on their toes and make use of every resources and minute that they have. We look forward to seeing the types of films that they will be coming up with," she said. 

The goal is also to make Intramuros as a viable location for FILM or A/V production. The historical backdrop and interesting venues within the perimeters of INTRAMUROS will hopefully be highlighted by the creativity of the young participants.

The film projects can be of any topic as long as it is promoting the outstanding values of the Filipino people like hospitality, valuing family, hard work, and resourcefulness. Through the Wall Production Fund, ten (10) chosen participants will get an allowance to produce three to five-minute films. The competition is open to all young aspiring filmmakers in High School and College around Manila.

Qualifications include the following:
1.     Participants should be a Filipino citizen and must be 16 years old and above
2.     Applicant must be a student of an educational institution in the Metro Manila area.

The production crew TEAM (max of 4 members total) with the proponent will have to come from the same educational institution they’re connected with.


Mechanics for submission:
1.     Completed PDF Document of the Entry Form: Concept paper with synopsis

2.     Scanned copy of current school ID and registration form. If applicable, any government issued ID ex. Postal ID, Passport, Voter's ID, etc.

3.     Proponent may submit a maximum of two (2) entries but only one (1) will be selected.

4.     All submissions must be done online

5.     All entries must be original.

6.     Preferences must be cited properly and with permission

7.     Project must include Intramuros as a viable location.



Finalists can win the following awards:
1.     Best Film Award with Php 20,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

2.     Jury's Choice Award with Php 15,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

3.     People’s Choice Award with Php 10,000 cash prize, trophy & certificate (most viral video)

4.     Consolation Prize of Php 5,000 for the eight (8) production teams with certificates

5.     Special Award that the Jury might feel rewarding, Php 5,000 for one or two (1 or 2 ) production teams with certificates.

Interested applicants may download and submit their forms at www.fdcp.ph/we-are-intramuros

On the Granting of Preliminary Injunction to Angkas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOTr-LTFRB PRESS STATEMENT

06 September 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are saddened by the decision of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court to grant a preliminary injunction to the ride-hailing service, Angkas. The decision keeps the government from interfering, whether directly or indirectly, with the operations of Angkas.

The DOTr-LTFRB, as a regulator, is being faithful to its mandate when it ordered Angkas to cease operations. 

Our position is that motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.

Apart from engaging in unfair business practice, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered as a safe mode of public transport.

If Angkas is to continue accrediting motorcycles registered as private vehicles to book rides and accept passengers for a fee, it is considered as without authority from the government regulators, and, therefore, are considered colorum vehicles.

The DOTr-LTFRB will exhaust all legal remedies to ensure that our roads are cleared of colorum vehicles, such as Angkas motorcycles. 

Safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. Obviously, Angkas is just interested in making profit, and profit, alone.

Boyz II Men and the Divas Back-to-Back Concert on December 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Back-to-Back Concert of the Year. The best-selling R&B group of all time, Boyz II Men, is coming back to Manila for a one-night concert on Saturday, December 15th at the Araneta Coliseum, together with the DIVAS – comprised of KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, Kyla and Angeline Quinto.

Boyz II Men, best known for their emotional ballads and acapella harmonies, is comprised of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman. The group’s biggest and most requested hits include “End of the Road”, “I’ll Make Love To You”, “On Bended Knee”, “Water Runs Dry”, “4 Seasons of Loneliness”, “Motownphilly”, “In The Still of the Nite (I’ll Remember)”, “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” and “One Sweet Day” – which still holds the record of the longest running Billboard Hot #1 song, staying at the top for 16 weeks. The legendary group holds four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Awards, and a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Leading the all-star female DIVAS collaboration is Asia’s Soul Supreme, KZ Tandingan – after being hailed the Grand Winner of the X Factor Philippines in 2012 and remarkably landed as a finalist at the China Singer 2018 alongside Jessie J and Chinese superstars.

Pop Rock superstar Yeng Constantino started her career in Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006 as the Grand Star Dreamer, now a multi-awarded singer-songwriter and iconic hitmaker.

The country’s R&B Queen Kyla has recently marked her 18th year in the industry as a certified platinum and most celebrated soulful phenom. She remains to be one of the most invited by international artists for collaborations.

Completing the list is Angeline Quinto, also known as the Queen of Themesongs, was hailed as the Female Pop Superstar of Star Power. Many of her chart-topping hits have become love anthems of the Filipinos. These four talented and empowered DIVAS equally hold numerous awards and hits to their name.

BOYZ II MEN with DIVAS: Live in Concert is presented by Wilbros Live and Cornerstone Concerts. Tickets go on-sale on September 15 via TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details. For more information, follow Wilbros Live and Cornerstone Concerts on social media.

Facebook.com/WilbrosLive

Twitter @WilbrosLive

Instagram @WilbrosLive