Tugade Orders Preventive Suspension of LTFRB Executive Director Jardin Over Corruption Allegations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade has ordered the preventive suspension of Samuel Jardin, Executive Director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), over allegations of corruption.

The preventive suspension will last for a period of 90 days.

Along with the order issued yesterday, 03 April 2019, a formal charge has been filed against Jardin for grave misconduct; receiving for personal use a valuable thing in the course of official duties wherein such gift was given in the expectation of receiving favorable treatment; and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The formal charge alleges that Jardin solicited money amounting to PhP4.8 million in exchange for facilitating and granting the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

As part of the internal investigation of the DOTr, Jardin is required to submit a Verified Answer, including documentary evidence, within three days from receipt of the formal charge.

Secretary Tugade strongly reiterates that any corrupt deed, or the perception thereof, in the ranks of the DOTr offices and attached agencies will not be tolerated.

During the DOTr flag raising ceremony at the central office in Clark, Pampanga on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, the transportation chief announced that two high-ranking officials, then unnamed, will be meted orders of preventive suspension for alleged involvement in corruption.

The DOTr resounds its stern warning that disciplinary action shall come swift and unrelenting to any official or employee, no matter the rank, for the slightest hint of corruption.

The transportation department wholly supports the campaign of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte against graft and corruption, and shall not hesitate to exercise its full power and authority to rid its ranks of errant officials and employees.

DOE Steers Power Industries to Work Together for the Summer Months

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Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi met with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) officials headed by Meralco President and CEO Oscar S. Reyes yesterday (3 April) to discuss the details of the delivery of power to its customers throughout the summer months.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has been closely coordinating with the power industry players to address the growing demand and the thinning of power reserves for the summer months. 

“The entire energy family should take a pro-active approach towards securing our power supply, especially since it is both summer and election season,” Sec. Cusi said.  

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, Manila Electric Company (Meralco), and the DOE agreed that the power situation should be closely monitored given supply level adjustments brought about by increasing demand and the forced outages of power plants. 

Strategies on how to address thinning power reserves were also discussed during a meeting with Meralco officials. This includes the creation of additional power bypass lines, the efficient utilization of available power plants, as well as the application of demand-side management and accurate information dissemination to consumers. 

On the matter of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) as a measure to help enhance power reserves, Sec. Cusi emphasized that “it shall be implemented as a last resort given the additional costs the ILP would bring to consumers.”  The ILP serves as an option for Distribution Utilities (DUs) like MERALCO 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 will not wait for a loss of power to occur. The ILP is there as a final option to help us prevent a supply shortage,” Sec. Cusi added.  

YELLOW ALERT MONITORING 

According to the report of the NGCP, the yellow alert status issued today has been lifted effective at 4:00pm due to sufficient operating reserve brought about by low actual demand.

Earlier today, the NGCP issued a yellow alert notice issued for 1:00pm to 4:00pm today, due to insufficient operating reserve brought about by the high system demand and forced outage of the following plants:

Malaya Unit 2 (350 MW)

Pagbilao Unit 3 (420 MW)

SLTEC Unit 1 (135MW)

Makban Unit 7 (20 MW)

Tiwi Unit 6 (57 MW)

Tiwi Unit 1 (60 MW)
 

(Total = 1,042 MW)

De-rated Plants:

Masinloc Unit 2@250 (344MW)

Calaca Unit 2@200 (300MW)

Malaya Unit 1@150 (300MW)

SLPGC Unit 2@100 (150MW)

“The DOE and the energy players are closely monitoring the increases in demand and the power plants that are expected to be in,” Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella emphasized in a press conference earlier at the agency’s headquarters. 

The other strategies considered by the power industry players include the management of plant maintenance schedules, the optimization of existing hydroelectric power plants, the upgrading of the electricity facilities, the preparation of available generator sets for unforeseen outages, the participation of big establishments in the Interruptible Load Program, as well as the continued call for an energy efficiency lifestyle for electricity end-users. The DOE also emphasized the improvement of the operations of power plants and through the use of renewable energy (RE) and information technology. 

DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

The DOE through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) reiterated the importance of its SAVE SAVE SAVE energy efficiency campaign, not only to incur more savings, but also to ensure uninterrupted electricity services this summer season.

Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Candidates Presented to Media

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Here's the official press release, including group photo, from the press presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2019 candidates. For our own set of photos, you may find them at our Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

The 40 official candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2019 thrilled members of the media, sponsors and the general public during their Press Presentation on Thursday, April 4 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

The 40 official candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2019 thrilled members of the media, sponsors and the general public during their Press Presentation on Thursday, April 4 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Wearing their swimsuits, the gorgeous women competing in the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant wowed the guests with their beautiful physique and winsome personality as they introduced themselves and posed for photos at the hotel’s pool area.

The roster of this year’s finalists is composed of models, flight attendants, performers, students, multi-hyphenates and pageant veterans, who have their own stories to tell and advocacies to promote, proving that they exemplify traits #BeyondBeauty.

They are all vying for the chance to represent the Philippines in the most prominent international beauty competitions. They are the cream of the crop, having been chosen by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. executive committee led by chairperson Mrs. Stella Marquez Araneta in a rigorous screening process.

Up for grabs in this year’s contest are six crowns: Miss Universe Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational, Binibining Pilipinas Globe and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International.

The candidates are hoping to duplicate the amazing feat of last year’s winners who all made a mark in the international scene. Catriona Gray bested more than 90 candidates to take home the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown, while Karen Gallman won the country’s first-ever Miss Intercontinental crown. Ahtisa Manalo also came close and emerged first runner-up in Miss International. Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar, Binibining Pilipinas Globe Michele Gumabao, and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug complete last year’s winners’ court.

The Press Presentation also served as a mini reunion of past titlists, delighting pageant fans.

The Press Presentation is one of the most anticipated events in the Binibining Pilipinas calendar. Last Saturday, March 30, 17 of the 40 contestants slugged it out in the Talent Competition. On May 25, they will be going around Araneta Center, the Home of the Queens and recently declared as a Tourism District by the Quezon City Government, in the Grand Parade of Beauties, and on May 29, they will be sashaying in the stage in a glitzy Fashion Show at the New Frontier Theater. The pageant will culminate in the Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 9.

The official Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates are the following: Jessica Marasigan, 25, Malabon City Denielle Joie Magno, 25, Pangasinan Martina Turner Diaz, 22, Muntinlupa City Malka Shaver, 23, Zamboanga Sibugay Sigrid Grace Flores, 26, Iloilo Jane Darren Genobisa, 22, Davao del Sur Honey Grace Cartasano, 25, Province of Rizal Joahnna Carla Saad, 26, Dumaguete City Melba Ann Macasaet, 25, Negros Oriental Marianne Marquez, 26, Marikina City Marie Sherry Ann Tormes, 27, Polangui, Albay Gazini Ganados, 23, Talisay City, Cebu Maria Andrea Abesamis , 27, Pasig City Leren Mae Bautista, 26, Laguna Maria Isabela Galeria, 20, Sorsogon Denise Omorog, 24, Baras, Catanduanes, Bea Patricia Magtanong, 24, Bataan Hannah Arnold, 23, Masbate Ilene De Vera, 23, Mandaue City, Cebu Julia Saubier, 24, Legazpi City Anne Barker,26, Isabela Province April Short, 24, Zamboanga City Larah Grace Lacap, 25, Quezon City Jean Nicole Guerrero, 25, Ilocos Sur Samantha Ashley Lo, 26, Cebu City Emma Mary Tiglao, 24, Pampanga Samantha Mae Bernardo, 26, Palawan Rubee Marie Faustino, 23, Province of Bulacan Cassandra Colleen Chan, 24, Bacolod City, Resham Saeed, 25, Maguindanao Danielle Isabelle Dolk , 18, San Pablo City, Laguna Mary Faye Cunanan, 22, Tarlac Jessarie Dumaguing, 23, Puerto Princesa, Alannis Reign Binoya, 22, Batangas, Kimberle Mae Penchon, 26, La Union Francia Layderos, 26, Libon, Albay Samantha Poblete, 22, Cavite Vickie Rushton, 26, Negros Occidental Dia Nicole Magno, 24, Butuan, Caraga Region Joanna Rose Tolledo, 25, Caloocan City The Binibining Pilipinas pageant is presented by the following sponsors: Araneta Center Inc., ABS-CBN, World Balance, Poten CEE, JAG Jeans, PLDT Home Fibr, Manhattan Garden City, Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc., Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Philippine Airlines, Manila Bulletin, Novotel Manila Araneta Center, David's Salon, Power Trac Inc., Gold's Gym, Picture City, Domz Ramos Swimwear, Jojo Bragais Shoes, Equinox Manila, Raymond Saldaña Photography and Bruce Casanova Photography. For more updates, visit www.bbpilipinas.com and follow our social media pages: @RealBBPilipinas on Facebook and Twitter and @BbPilipinasOfficial on Instagram.

Fresh Swan Valley Food and Wine Trails Unearthed in Singapore

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The best kept secrets of the Swan Valley region in Western Australia were recently unearthed in a fun evening of great produce, fine wine & spirits hosted by the City of Swan Mayor David Lucas and a delegation of producers.

The event complements the release of five new Swan Valley food and wine trails; Fresh Seasonal Produce, Fine Wine, Wine and Art Off the Beaten Track, Kids in the Valley, and Bushtucker and Beyond.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said there are seven food and wine trails in total, with the Sweet Temptations and Cider and Ale trails launched last year.

"The trails provide a map and guide for a day of touring the Swan Valley, and showcase the concentration of surprises, flavours, cultures and adventures waiting for you," he said.

"The event is designed to give guests a sense of what the region is about, which is a rural escape flourishing with fresh produce, countless gourmet artisan goods, bustling markets and award-winning wine, all brought to you by the friendly and welcoming local community."

Representatives from the food and wine trails present provide a produce tasting experience, including bush tucker preserves, wine, gin, fruit, cider, chocolate, nuts, nougat and honey. International wine specialist from Singapore, Ch’ng Poh Tiong, emceed the exclusive dinner event at Open Farm Community where Swan Valley wines were matched to the dinner menu. To cap the evening, guests were treated to nougat inspired by the Singapore Sling cocktail specially created by Mondo Nougat.

Mayor David Lucas said the Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia and second oldest in Australia.

"With more than 150 attractions on offer there's something for everyone, and we're very excited to share our insider tips with Singapore. Singapore is one of the top three primary international markets for the Swan Valley and we are confident that they will enjoy discovering the trails."

The City is also running a competition to send two people from Singapore to the Swan Valley to experience the region first-hand. The competition is supported by Destination Perth.

The lucky winner will receive return flights to Perth with Singapore Airlines, four nights at the Novotel Vines resort including breakfast, a game of mini golf and a full-day D’Vine Swan Valley tour.

Singapore is only a five hour flight away from Perth, and the Swan Valley is located just 25 minutes from the Perth City centre and 10 minutes from the airport.

For more information about the Swan Valley, including where to stay, eat, drink and play, visit www.swanvalley.com.au/singapore

15th MIAS Ignites One-Of-A-Kind Automotive Experience

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MIAS Ribbon Cutting: The biggest and highly anticipated auto show, MIAS 2019, opened yesterday and is on-going until April 7 from 10am to 10pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The said auto show is for the benefit of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.


(L-R) Mr. Manny Aligada - President of Kia PH, Mr. Dino Santos - President of KTM PH, Ms.Nona Ong- President of Honda and Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc.,Mr. Bertrand Lessard - President of Ford Philippines,Mr. Jason Ang- MIAS 2019 Co-organizer, Mr. Alvin Uy - MIAS Co-organizer, Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang - WSI Managing Director, Ma. Christina L. Go - BPI Family Family Savings Bank President,Carmen Maria Ramirez Ortiz, Gorka,San Juan - Embassy of Spain,Mr. Joseph Ang- WSI Founding Chairman,Arch. Francisco Flameno- WSI Executive Director, Asec. Goddes Hope Libiran - Department of Transportation, Mr. Gus Lagman - AAP President,Mr. Khamkhoun Pradith,Mr. Levi Ang -WSI Co-founder, Mr. Chris -Brit EM,Ms.Tessie Roque- WSI Director, Dr. Aaman Rashid - Ambassador of Pakistan,Ms. Charlotte Bandelow - Deputy Executive Director of GPCCI,Mr. Felipe Estrella- President of Volkswagen, Mr. Gerry Hernandez - General Manager of Subaru Philippines.



The country’s premiere automotive expo, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), is back to deliver another exhilarating trade presentation as it officially opens its doors to the public last April 4. Marking its 15th year in the industry, this year’s MIAS is intent on having visitors “Experience Fun and Function” on a whole different level.

As is customary, a grand opening ceremony was held during the first day of the show. In attendance during the event were guest speakers Gus Lagman, President of the Automobile Association of the Philippines and Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran of the Department of Transportation together with WSI’s key executives Joseph Ang, Levi Ang, Arch. Francisco Flameño Jr., Jill Aithnie Ang, Rene Ramos, Tessie Roque, Alvin Uy, Jason Ang, and Ulyssess Ang.

Apart from attracting hordes of show-goers who are planning to make a variety of purchases or simply want in on the latest auto trends and releases, what sets MIAS apart from other run-of-the-mill auto shows are its topnotch event highlights that allow visitors to truly immerse in various auto- and motor-related activities.

Among the must-sees and must-dos at MIAS 2019 include a visit to the various car club displays that will be launched to the public at the World Trade Center Driveway. There is also the Monster Truck Display which is located at the North Wing side of the venue. This section is most ideal for those with a penchant for big trucks or are looking to upgrade their business trucks and commercial vehicles for newer and better models. On the opposite side of the spectrum, this year’s Miniature Die-Cast Car Collection Display invites enthusiasts to drop by and appreciate its showcase of the most impressive die-cast collections.

Of course, one’s MIAS visit will not be complete without having witnessed any one of Guinness World Record Holder Russ Swift’s stunt performances with his trusty Subaru cars. Meanwhile, those who are looking to buy a new car or simply want to experience what it’s like to ride the latest car models, are free to test drive some of the vehicles that will be displayed outside the venue’s main hall. Another one to watch out for at this year’s MIAS is the Classic Car Competition. Presented in partnership with Petron, the competition will be featuring over a hundred of entries of the most creatively executed car set-ups!

Organized by Worldbex Services International for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc, the 15th Manila International Auto Show or MIAS 2019 will run until April 7, from 10:00am to 10:00pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. For more information, follow @mias on Facebook and @mias.ph on Instagram. Ticket price is P100 and PWD and Senior Citizen’s 20% discount shall apply.

Welcome Address by WSI Founding Chairman Joseph Ang

The TNT boys giving a spectacular show at this year’s MIAS

DOST-TAPI, DOST-PCAARRD Highlight AANR Technologies in Ilocos

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Through the Series of Technology Demonstration and Fora on Agri-Related Technologies, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) facilitated the promotion of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) technologies in Ilocos Region on 29 March 2019 at the North Stellar Hotel and Events Place, Batac, Ilocos Norte.

In partnership with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the technology demonstration and fora became a venue to present the latest technologies in AANR among possible adoptors including agri-entrepreneurs, farmers, and fisher folks.

Participants of the Series of Technology Demonstration and Fora on Agri-Related Technologies on 29 March 2019 at the North Stellar Hotel and Events Place, Batac, Ilocos Norte

“The collaborative efforts between DOST-TAPI and DOST-PCAARD bring the necessary technologies needed by our stakeholders in improving their agricultural production and operations especially in the countryside,” said Eilleen S. Fernando,Project Leader and Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-TAPI.

Aside from the technologies’ applications, technology transfer and adoption requirements and procedures were discussed during the demonstration and consultation among interested agriculture investors.

Four AANR technologies – pelletizing machine for goat feeds, pellet feeds for goat, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) kit for swine porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and chevon products in retort pouch of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) were featured during the lecture.

“With the pellet feeds, goats are ensured of continuous growth and right nutrition that would ensure breeders of higher productivity and quality products,” said Vice President for Business Affairs Edgar A. Orden of CLSU.

“The LAMP kit can help prevent bankruptcy among pig farmers due to diseases,” assured Dr. Clarissa Yvonne J. Domingo of CLSU, to the stakeholders.

Moreover, Associate Professor Anabella G. Valdez of DMMMSU encouraged the commercialization of chevon products.

The technology demonstration and fora was attended by 138 participants.

More Pinoy Filmmakers Join Istorya ng Pag-asa Filmfest 2019

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The Office of the Vice President has received more submissions from Filipino filmmakers for the second edition of its Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival this year.

As it closed its deadline of submission of entries last March 25, INPFF 2019 got 98 entries from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even overseas. This is higher than the 73 submissions received during the short film competition’s initial run in 2018.

For Vice President Leni Robredo, this affirms that more talented people are sharing her faith in the power of telling true inspiring stories of ordinary Filipinos.

“On behalf of my staff and the INP team, I am very grateful for the support and warm reception that we have gotten from our partners, whose generosity made this initiative possible; from the media, the schools and other organizations that helped us spread the news; and most of all, to the filmmakers who heeded our call to tell true stories of inspiration, and their subjects, for willingly sharing theirs,” Robredo said.

Submitted films will undergo an initial screening to determine which of them will make it to the finals. The finalists will have their big-screen debut at the gala night and awarding ceremony on June 8, 2019, where the winners will be announced – as selected by an esteemed panel of judges from the film industry.

Bigger prizes are up for grabs in INPFF’s second run, including a cash prize of 80,000 pesos for Best Film, and 50,000 and 30,000 pesos for the first and second runners-up, respectively. Special prizes, including Best Script, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and People’s Choice Award will also be given away.

INPFF 2019 is an initiative of the OVP in partnership with Ayala Foundation and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

MARINA Receives Level II CSC Recognition on Human Resource Management

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 In support of the government’s continuing commitment to provide efficient and effective public service delivery and institutionalize meritocracy on human resource management competency, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has received Level II recognition from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for its commendable human resource management system.

The Agency has been particularly applauded for its significant progress in the areas of recruitment, selection and placement; learning and development; performance management; as well as, rewards and recognition for its human resources development program.

The MARINA fosters good governance among its employees by promoting people excellence through professionalism, integrity, and excellence as its core values. Guided by these principles, the MARINA personnel are transformed from government employees into servant heroes through their daily service.

“This is the fruit of our labor that shall inspire us to serve better our stakeholders. Let us raise the bar of public service by setting good example. There is no room for mediocrity in our Agency” MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr said.

To date, the MARINA has 1,059 employees serving the central office and 11 regional offices across the country. Supervised by 27 service units and regional office directors, the Agency remains committed to continually find relevant and timely interventions to transform its workforce as responsible public servants for the maritime industry and to the nation.

CEO Summit Manila 2019

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Globalization, Digital Transformation, Unprecedented Competition and the shift of Consumer power to make decisions makes Corporate Governance more challenging, calling a new breed of executives to run companies relevant to the times including the call to future proof your company’s direction.

The CEO Summit 2019 happening at the Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City in Manila gathers world class executives and global entrepreneurs to develop principled, innovative leaders and to generate ideas that advance management practice-in an environment designed to foster extensive peer-to-peer interaction focusing on a 4-point agenda; LEADERSHIP LEGACY & STRATEGY, VALUE CHAIN, and RISK & CRISIS and MERGERS & ACQUISITION, a pre-lude to the end year CFO Summit.

The 1st day Conference and the 2nd day CEO Masterclass highlights experts from different industries share their insights on the 4-point agenda by exploring how organizations’ shortcomings and competencies translate into strategic challenges and opportunities, identifying and improving alignment between the competitive environment and the company’s strategy and organizational structure, using tools to identify and evaluate a business’ strategy in mergers and acquisition, developing effective frameworks for executing change management initiatives, and learn from globally renown trainers and experts during the masterclass.

Joined by over 15 invited only topic Keynote Speakers, Featured Resource Perspective Speakers and relevant Panelists coming from Asia, Australia, UAE and Oceanic Regions on a limited seat capacity. Most of the delegates are exclusively invited and the rest are for the general public.

For details of the CEO Summit, visit https://ceosummit.aseanhr.org/

The CEO SUMMIT 2019 is presented by ASEANHR Media Pte Ltd.

FDCP Announces Accepted Feature Projects for First Cut Lab 2019

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The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has selected a lineup of seven (7) feature projects for the First Cut Lab Feature happening from April 11 to 17, 2019.

The First Cut Lab, an international project development and editing lab, is designed to help filmmakers improve their film projects in development and in the post-production stage.

Accepted feature projects for this year’s First Cut Lab under projects in the development stage include Dancing the Tide by Xeph Suarez, Everybody Leaves by Phyllis Grande, Fan Girl by Antoinette Jadaone, Purple Sun by Carlo Catu, Karaoke News by John Paul Su, Thanatos by E. Del Mundo, Babae at Baril (The Girl and the Gun) by Rae Red, and The Perilous Odyssey to Mount Gulsuk by Jordan dela Cruz. On the other hand, selected feature projects in post-production are Hayop Ka! (You Son of a Bitch!) by Avid Liongoren and John Denver Trending by Arden Rod Condez.

Feature Projects in Development Stage

Dancing the Tide

Director: Xeph Suarez

Producers: Roderick Cabrido and Omar Sortijas

Logline: ASTRI, a 16-year old Sama Badjao transwoman, is forced to leave her long-time boyfriend, TAMBULAH, to marry a woman betrothed to her even before she was born.

Everybody Leaves

Director: Phyllis Grande

Producer: Alemberg Ang

Logline: Set in present Japan, a Japanese-Filipina exchange student spends her last months searching for her father while cleaning the houses of people who died lonely deaths.

Fan Girl

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Producers: Dan Villegas and Bianca Balbuena

Production Companies: Epicmedia and Project 8 cor. San Joaquin Projects

Logline: An obsessed teenage fan finds herself inside a mansion with her celebrity idol she thought she knew and learns exactly why they say never meet your heroes.

Purple Sun

Director: Carlo Catu

Producer: April Batican and Bianca Balbuena

Logline: Purple Sun is a love story between two Filipino men and a Japanese woman set in the majestic landscape and unique culture of Japan. It is a film about the cross-cultural understanding between Filipinos and Japanese in regards to love, sex, and their way of living.

Karaoke News

Director: John Paul Su

Producer: Manet Dayrit

Logline: When a staged karaoke lounge hostage operation goes awry, an investigative journalist must use creative means to unravel and expose the truth.

Thanatos

Director: E. Del Mundo

Producer: Pamela Reyes

Logline: A troubled teen, Samboy, recruits his best friend to be part of a militia that will massacre 58 people.

Babae at Baril (The Girl and the Gun)

Director: Rae Red

Producer: lana Bernardez

Logline: A local department store saleslady has had enough of being an underdog when she finds a gun right on her doorstep one night. Her life drastically changes as she discovers how much power owning a gun can give you.

The Perilous Odyssey to Mount Gulsuk

Director: Jordan dela Cruz

Producers: Alemberg Ang, Arleeen Cuevas, John Badalu, and Siege Ledesma

Production Companies: VY/AC Productions and Cinematografica

Logline: When the life of his pregnant girlfriend is threatened by a mysterious illness, Joseph, a reluctant teenage father-to-be, embarks on a quest to save his beloved. His surreal odyssey begins in the Philippines, transitions to the soul-devouring labor camps of Arabia, and ends at the peak of mythical Mount Gulsuk.

Feature Projects in Post-Production

Hayop Ka! (You Son of a Bitch!)

Director: Avid Liongoren

Producers: Joyce Bernal, Piolo Pascual, Erickson Raymundo, and E. Del Mundo 

Production Company: Rocketsheep Studio

Logline: Nimfa the pretty pussycat is a perfume sales kitty at a department store. Her boyfriend, Roger the macho mongrel, is a janitor. Nimfa meets Inigo the bourgeoisie business dog and chemistry ignites! Will Nimfa and Roger’s love keep them together, or will Inigo’s high society charms tear them apart?

John Denver Trending

Director: Arden Rod Condez

Producers: Sheron Dayoc and Sonny Calvento

Production Companies: What If Films Philippines and Southern Lantern Pictures (With Support from Outpost Visual Frontier and Tinker Bulb Productions)

Logline: A 14-year-old farmboy’s life is upended when a video of him brutally attacking a classmate went viral.

On the other hand, two (2) documentary projects will be selected for the First Cut Lab Docs and will be announced in the next coming days. Grantees of SineSaysay Documentary Lab and Showcase will also participate in the Doc Lab.

Summer Workshop by Kids Act Philippines All Set

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Experience the magic this summer !

Join the Kids Acts Philippines’ SUMMER 2019 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP featuring “SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS.”

The workshop will be held from April 10 and shall run up to June 1 (Mondays, Wednesday and Friday). This is open for 3-7 years old (Kinder Theater), 8-10 years old (Children’s Theater), 11-13 years old (Junior Theater); 14 years old and up (Teen Theater) and the Camp Art Scholars.

Venue: Activity Center, Ayala Malls Circuit City.

Fee is P 10,000/ inclusive of workshop materials, costume rental and recital fee.

Kids Acts Philippines is the premier children's theater company in the Philippines, founded by two award-winning Filipino Directors - Luigi Nacario, Best Stage Director in a Musical by Aliw Awards and Best Writer and Lyricist for a Filipino Musical by BroadwayWorld Philippines; and Eugene Belbis, Best Musical Director by Aliw Awards.

KAPI, as what it is popularly known, was named as Best Theater Company by BroadwayWorld Philippines in 2013.

For seventeen years, it has created and produced a number of adapted and original children's musicals performed by an all-kids cast, a pioneer in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Aside from creating and developing new musicals, Kids Acts Philippines, through its TheCampArt Performing School, provides workshops and trainings on acting, music, and singing to students as an after-school activity during school year and to kid dependents of top corporations and companies during summer.

KAPI is being regarded as one of the best and largest workshop providers in the country following an international syllabus for theater education integrated by its own acting approach called S.A.F.E. Acting Technique.

Noted actors and celebrities who are trained by Kids Acts Philippines are Julia Montes (ABS-CBN's “Mara Clara”), Kyline Alcantara (ABS-CBN's “Analisa,” and GMA's “Kambal Karibal” and “Inagaw na Bituin”), Janine Berdin (Champion in ABS-CBN's “It’s Showtime's Tawag ng Tanghalan") and Noel Comia Jr. (Aliw Awards' Hall of Famer as Best Child Performer and a contender of ABS-CBN's “Your Face Sound Familiar Kids” and “The Voice Kids”).

KAPI trains children to become artists underpinning with theater discipline until their stars shine on Stage, TV, and Film.

ENROLL NOW!!! LIMITED SLOTS ONLY!

Contact (+632) 507-3396 / +63 915 447 8959 / +63 919 433 8565 / kidsactsphilippines@yahoo.com.ph.

FEU's President's Committee on Culture Presents the FEU Bamboo Band in A Toast to Broadway on May 4

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Far Eastern University President’s Committee on Culture presents the FEU Bamboo Band in a concert entitled, “A Toast to Broadway” on Saturday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the historic FEU Auditorium. Known as the cultural center of the country in the 1950’s, the FEU Auditorium celebrates its 70th Anniversary throughout 2019.
The FEU Bamboo Band is composed of students from the different institutes of Far Eastern University under the artistic direction of Norberto Cads, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary with FEU. Mr. Cads has extensive knowledge on bamboo music and has participated in numerous international expositions and festivals together with the Banda Kawayan Pilipinas.  He trains his members in various genres of music. The culmination of a whole academic year’s worth of rehearsals taught the members masterpieces from iconic Broadway musicals.
“A Toast to Broadway” features classics from Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Wicked, and Les Miserables on bamboo instruments. The concert celebrates these enchanting hits from Broadway Musicals but also highlights the talented members of the group who are all non music majors. The concert will reinforce to the audience that theatrical music is accessible to everyone, is enjoyable and can be performed on bamboo instruments.
The concert will be further electrified by two exceptional artists namely Mr. Raymond Gorospe and Ms. Banaue Miclat Janssen. Mr. Raymond Gorospe is a host, commercial model, and 2015 WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) multi medallist including Silver Medals for the Gospel and Broadway Vocals Categories. Ms. Banaue Miclat Janssen is a professional performer who has won two Aliw Awards for Best Performance for a New Concept Production, most recently for her performance in Ginugunita Kita in the FEU Auditorium, the Best Actress Award from the Metropolitan Opera Getty Awards for her role in “Salome”, and a Best Actress citation for New York University’s First Run Film Festival for “Giving Care”. She is a professor in the University of the Philippines Diliman’s  Department of Speech Communication and Theater Arts. She is the current Artistic Director of Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) and the UP Playwrights’ Theatre (UPPT).
“A Toast to Broadway” is a free concert that also celebrates the ninety first year of Far Eastern University. Tickets may be downloaded from www.Ticket2Me.net.
For more information about the concert, FEU’s Cultural Groups and other upcoming performances, please visit and like the FEU President’s Committee on Culture Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/FEUPCC or download the FEU Cultural App.
You may also call the PCC Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, at (632) 849-4145

Revised Policies on Two Maritime Educational Programs Now Due for Final CHED Approval

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In line with the continuous improvement of maritime education, training, and certification system in the Philippines, two maritime educational programs are now due for final approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) en banc.

This follows the final revisions made by the Technical Panel for Maritime Education (TPME), comprised of representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), CHED, as well as officials from the industry and the academe, on the proposed revised policies, standards, and guidelines (PSG) on the conduct of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).

The proposed revised PSG underwent public consultations and deliberations during the TPME meetings. Specifically, maritime stakeholders deliberated on provisions concerning the authority to operate of maritime higher educational institutions (MHEIs), as well as the application and verification processes, and the minimum requirements prior to the granting of permit and recognition. The sanctions against unauthorized MHEIs are also provided under the proposed revised PSG. 

Further, maritime stakeholders discussed the conduct of regular curriculum review and internal evaluation to ensure continued compliance of MHEIs with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for (STCW) Seafarers Convention 1978, as amended.

The MARINA is working double-time to improve the existing PSG on BSMT and BSMarE to maintain the Philippines’ status as one of the top sources of competent seafarers who, apart from manning and leading internationally-flagged vessels, also contributed approximately PhP300 billion worth of remittance in 2017. 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has expressed its full support to the MARINA in beefing up the competence of Filipino maritime manpower, guided by the STCW Convention 1978, as amended, pursuant to its mandate as the single maritime administration under Executive Order No. 63. 

“I commend the MARINA for its efforts to uphold our position in the international maritime community by ensuring uncompromising compliance with international laws and conventions. There is no better time than now to further promote the welfare and enhance the proficiency of Filipino seafarers as we recognize their invaluable contribution to the national economy,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said. 

MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso A Vingson Jr likewise encouraged maritime stakeholders to remain committed in establishing a conducive learning environment and providing quality learning experience to aspiring Filipino seafarers for the overall development of the Philippine maritime industry. 

“Let us keep our passion burning for the continued improvement of the industry. Our Filipino seafarers remain to be our prime assets, so we should not waver in our efforts to continually raise their competence,” Vice Admiral Vingson added.

Here's How To Write a Well-crafted Thesis

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Within the academic universe, students need to find creative ways to write , to attract the attention of the teacher who will correct the text. The author of the paper should get out of common sense and explore arguments and issues in depth.

To develop the interest of the reader, it is essential to develop a well-developed , specific and complex thesis . This beginning will be the basis for the whole narrative and will guarantee the success or failure of the project. Check out tips for writing a good thesis at Edupeet

1 - Encourage yourself with your theme

The more engaged you are, the better your text will be. Although you do not like the subject, try to find a solution to make it creative and interesting. Thus, your performance will be more enjoyable and reading the final project as well.

2 - Develop a strong opinion

Consolidated opinion is important to the success of the thesis. If you encounter difficulties with this part of the process, read specific newspaper articles on the subject. Also, look for ready-made theses that have some kind of relationship with yours to increase your argumentative basis.

3 - Use good adjectives

Avoid vague expressions such as "good" and "bad." Explore more elaborate adjectives in order to emphasize your opinion and strengthen the arguments presented.

4 - Focus the Thesis on a Main Idea

Since the thesis is what gives meaning to all the concepts in the text, you should ensure that it does not address many different content. So you keep the document organized and with a relevant line of reasoning.

5 - Be extremely specific in the thesis

A generic beginning weakens the text because the reader is not able to detect which subject will be dealt with more emphasis. However, if the thesis presents characteristic details about the arguments, the teacher is prepared for the rest of the content. During the writing period, you can stay focused on the main subject.

 6 - Make a list of interesting theses

Add to the list the contents available in books or on the internet that can help you create your own thesis. The greater the amount of information, the text will be developed more easily.

Here are some examples of theses:

• Weak:

"North and South fought in the Civil War for several reasons, some being equal and others difference."

• Medium:

"While two sides fought in the Civil War involving slavery, the North faced the moral dispute and the South to maintain its institutions."

• Strong:

"While Northerners and Southerners believed that they were fighting against oppression and tyranny, the former focused on the end of slavery and the others stood for the right of self-government."