Speech of H.E. Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki, Ambassador of Qatar on the National Day of Qatar

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On this day, December 18, 1878, we celebrate the National Day of the State of Qatar, in which we commemorate the Founder, Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammed Al Thani, who planted the seed to establish a modern sovereign state and an entity based on dignity, originality and affiliation.

I am honored to extend my most sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar - "may Allah protect him"- , the Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani - "May Allah protect him"- to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar, "May Allah protect him"- and to His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Qatar.

I also convey my warm greetings to all the Qatari people, as well as to all residents and expatriates in the State of Qatar. I wish God to bless this occasion with goodness, security, safety and more progress for all.

It was decided not to hold any festive activities to celebrate the National Day this year 2020 in line with the health restrictions and protocols imposed by the local authorities, as response to the current implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, ensuring good health and safety for all.

Nevertheless, the celebration next year 2021 will hopefully be in a way that will reflect the national vision of promoting loyalty, solidarity, unity, as well as pride in the national identity of the State of Qatar.

Despite the pandemic, the State of Qatar has witnessed this year astonishing development in several areas. One of its evidences is the hosting of the biggest football tournament in the world in 2022, where readiness and preparations have been completed.

First time in the world, Qatar will host the sporting event in an environment free of carbon emissions, which further affirms Qatar’s commitment to the sustainable climate legacy for the country and for the whole region. The hosting also reflects the country's commitment to noble values such as freedom of self-expression, enhancement and development of personality, promotion of freedom of thought and conscience, as well as protecting and promoting the principle of education for all.

On the State’s endeavor to achieve the National Vision 2030 - a vision that shapes the economic, social, environmental and human direction of the State of Qatar in the coming decades - Qatar also affirms its commitment to launch the economy towards broader horizons, while achieving a balance between economic growth and human resource development.

In this context, Qatar believes in the importance of education, training, capacity-building and the promotion of employment opportunities for all, just as it attaches importance to strengthening national economies and encouraging peaceful dialogue and values ​​of tolerance, rejecting extremism, terrorism, and discrimination of race or sect, in addition to the peaceful foreign policy pursued by the State base on mutual respect with other countries.

On November 03, 2020, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani - the Emir of the State of Qatar, "may Allah protect him" – announced at the opening of the 49th regular session of the Shura Council in Doha, the first legislative elections in the country's history, in the month of October next year. It is an important step towards strengthening the traditions of the Qatari Shura and developing the legislative process, with wider participation of citizens. It also reflects the system of the State of Qatar, which is firmly rooted in the structure of society, which is the Emirate system that is based on deep traditions of fair and rational governance, linked to people, loyalty relations, as well as mutual trust and direct communication with society. The step also reflects the national identity of the State, which is shown in the solidarity of the Qatari society, its cohesiveness, its tolerance to moral values ​​and its love for the country.

On this occasion, we cannot overlook the recent achievements and legal reforms that the State has made to labor laws, which have been praised and appreciated by many countries and international organizations.

We also highlight the health measures taken by the State of Qatar to protect every citizens and foreign workers from the threat of Coronavirus. This is to further ensure the clear policy for the maintenance of basic professional and health rights, and provide safety measures and adequate conditions for work in the country.

As for the framework of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines, the past period has witnessed a remarkable development in the cooperation between the two countries.

We have felt a mutual desire to increase this cooperation, in a manner that establishes common and real interests between the peoples of the two friendly countries, especially that State of Qatar recognizes the Philippines with great importance and constantly seeking to further develop the relations of the two countries in various fields. This is also to note that cooperation through all these years have remained confined to the field of work and employment

The State of Qatar, with its openness towards new horizons for cooperation, aims to strengthen bilateral relations with the Philippines, especially under the administration of His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, whose policies contributed to strongly elevate the ties, thus pushing towards a promising future.

The opportunity is now ripe for a more stable trade and investment exchange, as well as in the sectors of importation and exportation, energy, health, education, culture, among others. This year has also witnessed the conclusion of a large number of joint agreements and memorandum of understanding between Qatar and Philippines, where the first political consultations committee between two foreign ministries was established. It is hoped that the first meeting will start by next year.

The State of Qatar extended reliefs for its friends in the Philippines, in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Last December 4, 2020, the Embassy turned over to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) more than 40 tons of urgent relief assistance to support the victims and those affected by typhoon "VAMCO" in the Philippines, through an air bridge or “airlift” by the Qatar Armed Forces.

Qatar Fund for Development provided this aid, in cooperation and partnership with Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent and in coordination with its local partner, the Philippine Red Cross.

The urgent humanitarian aid also comes as a commitment from the State of Qatar to alleviate the suffering of the typhoon victims and to boost International efforts in the field of emergency relief.

As I end these remarks, it is my hope that Allah, the Almighty, will perpetuate His blessings to our dear nation and people with good health, wellness, security, peace and stability, as I also pray for the same sincere desires for the friendly Philippines.

May Allah also protect our judicious government under the leadership of
His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and furthermore extend His protection to the Philippine government under the leadership of His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

May this occasion be filled with grace and success.

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmat Allah Wabarakatuh

Statement: On the historic holding of elections to the Qatari Majlis Al-Shura (Advisory Council)

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

The Philippine Government welcomes the recent announcement of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on the historic holding of elections to the Qatari Majlis Al-Shura (Advisory Council) next year.

This bold step is a testament to the commitment of His Highness the Emir and the Qatari leadership to allow inclusive participation in government and is part of the continued efforts to achieve the goals of the 2030 National Vision for Qatar.

The Philippine Government looks forward to continue working with the Government of Qatar in promoting shared values and interests. END

https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate/28202-statement-on-the-historic-holding-of-elections-to-the-qatari-majlis-al-shura-advisory-council

Christmas e-concert for a cause

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The country’s premier music artists Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Arnel Pineda, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Ogie Alcasid unite for a cause in Save the Children Philippines’ first online Christmas concert titled “Awit para sa mga Bata” on December 18, 2020.

The exclusive e-concert also features Bamboo, Gian Magdangal, Sam Shoaf, Kayla Rivera, and a classical music performance by Save the Children Philippines’ Changemaker Lara Maigue.

Save the Children Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez, Ria Atayde, and Xia Vigor will also join the e-concert that aims to raise funds for children’s continued learning, protection, and survival.

“Children who live in poverty face the compounding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent powerful typhoons. This Christmas, let us give them a lasting gift by making sure they continue to learn, stay healthy, and be protected from all forms of violence,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

Also performing in the e-concert are the “Quarentados” of Philippine Science High School Batch ’82 Choir and the kids from Annie the Musical.

“Awit para sa mga Bata” is part of Save the Children Philippines’ ongoing “eSave Natin ang Pasko” Christmas fundraising campaign that also promotes the importance of a nurturing home through the “Mapagkalingang Tahanan” advocacy which supports both children and their parents, guardians, and caregivers in facilitating a sound learning environment.

In keeping with the tradition of Christmas caroling, e-Save Natin ang Pasko also features “Namamasko po!” – a fun group activity by schools, families, and companies showcasing their musical talent and creativity to raise funds for children in need.

The digital concert is produced by Save the Children Philippines’ advocate, Bianca Elizalde.

A donation of Php800 plus taxes and service fees is equivalent to on e-ticket for the concert which can be availed through Ticket2Me.net. This amount provides a household with a Family Learning Kit to aid children’s learning in a nurturing home during the pandemic.

The event is co-presented by Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Hello Rache, Marriott Business Council Philippines, and Microsoft.

Protective Moms only know Tough Love

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Have you ever experienced being beaten up by your mom when you’re at your younger age? Forced to sleep every afternoon? Or not allowing you to run while playing with your friends? Well, that’s totally normal.

Most moms fret whenever they anticipated any danger near their child. Its normal for them to feel the urgency to give the little one a kiss on the knee after being tripped while running. It’s when mothers go overboard and do things like restricting their child to learn and explore more. That’s how moms show their love. They love their child so much that they only know tough love.

To reward all moms, Execution by OTH prepares MAMALAND, a family-centric virtual bazaar where moms can enjoy a new normal way of shopping experience with her trusted brands. Watch webinars for household essentials and join contest that the whole family could enjoy without compromising any family member’s health and keeping them safe.

Join MAMALAND December 15-18, 2020. Register now for FREE at: executionbyoth.com

DOST- ITDI taps global markets, 2020 Techno Offering showcases improved products

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) will end the year 2020 with a techno offering of eight commercially viable food products for the food industry. Some eight improved products and processes will be presented on December 11, 2020, during the “2020 ITDI Techno Offering” in a bid to drive forward food industry thrusts.

At the crest of global demand is increased consumer awareness and the need for food products with improved functionalities such as sports nutrition, functional beverages, and dietary supplement.

A previous decrease in the functional beverages market from $128.66 billion in 2019 to $125.39 billion in 2020 is expected to recover post the COVID-19 crisis. Economic projections point to a growth rate of 8.07% from 2021 thus allowing the market to reach $158.28 billion in 2023.

ITDI will thus be presenting isotonic coco drink and mungbean coconut milk drink under this category. The former is a coconut water-based beverage, which is naturally rich in potassium and considerable amounts of sodium, magnesium, and chloride. It can thus help in hydration and maintenance of the body’s balance of electrolytes, supplying energy during or after heavy physical or sports activities.

The latter, mungbean infused with coconut milk, is a great alternative for lactose-intolerant consumers. We can now satisfy their thirst with a twist for wellness in a shelf-stable, non-dairy, and ready-to-drink beverage.

However, the multiplicity of functions come naturally to these two products for they can also complete your "Go Bag" during emergencies together with two other ready-to-eat foods in the techno offering. Thus, RTE Smoked Fish and RTE Sweet Potato plus isotonic coco drink and mungbean coconut milk drink can help you successfully pass away your first 48 hours during an emergency.

Further, this year’s Techno Offering considers the current global cocoa and chocolate market, which is projected by the candy industry to reach $67.22 billion by the end of 2025, up from the $43.13 billion it was at in 2017.

In support, ITDI is offering an improved process to produce gourmet chocolate, otherwise known as tablea liquor in a bar, and ready-to-drink tablea. The process produces ultra-smooth and chocolatier chocolate drinks.

Upwards of the convenience food market, a changing lifestyle of consumers in North America, Europe, and South East Asia is demanding for convenience food, mostly ready-to-eat food products.

Most of these products use iodized and, or plain food-grade salts as a preservative. With more and more food-grade salts being used as a flavor enhancer, the trend is encouraging many salt manufacturers to innovate and introduce new flavored food-grade salts.

Tagging along these lines, ITDI has improved its salt iodization machine and has developed gourmet salts to serve these markets. During the Techno Offering, it will be presenting aroma infused salts with extracts from seaweeds like “lato" or sea grapes, shiitake mushroom, and shrimp heads. Others include salts with a smoky aroma of guava, mango, and tamarind leaves.

The 2020 ITDI Techno Offering is open to businesses interested to know more about the new food products of ITDI. Just register to the link indicated here. (AMGuevarra\\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service)

On International Day of Human Rights: Fulfillment of women’s rights to jobs, livelihood crucial to children’s health, well-being

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More jobs and livelihood for women in conflict-affected Mindanao provinces will improve the lives of thousands of displaced children and their families who face risks from lingering armed conflict, and the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The child rights organization Save the Children Philippines marks the International Day of Human Rights, calling for the strengthening of women’s rights to economic empowerment, and critical participation in the labor force.

“The realization of women’s rights to socio-economic development is critical to the fulfillment of children’s rights to health and survival, access to learning and well-being,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

In partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi and local government agencies, Save the Children Philippines is implementing emergency assistance for the recovery of Marawi City through the Restoring Livelihoods and Learning Project, funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction through the Asian Development Bank.

BARMM recorded the highest unemployment at 21.50 per cent (Philippine Statistics Authority, September 2020) as an adverse impact of the global pandemic and displacement due to armed conflict in the area contributing to the financial crisis of affected families in Marawi.

Edwin Horca, BARMM Team Leader of Save the Children Philippines said the project aims to provide emergency income and livelihood support to displaced families, with focus on supporting the role of women, youth in Marawi and its neighboring municipalities.

“We aim to expedite the delivery of gender sensitive interventions on emergency employment, livelihoods and education. We want to empower women by promoting their right to participate in their community’s economic progression. Women’s empowered participation in economic activities contribute to a transformative and authentic peacebuilding,” said Horca.

The project is now providing skills training, financial and livelihood support for women’s group in different communities for traditional weaving and other local products which were identified by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Baicon Cayongcat Nuska of Raheemah Women’s Group said the project will not only help the Maranao women on their financial needs but will significantly contribute to the overall economic advancement of the city promoting their local products. “These women will be our future manpower for the upcoming establishment of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Development Center in Marawi.”

“We are thankful for this project for its efficient and effective strategy to ensure that conflict-affected women are given the opportunity to livelihood and that no woman will be left behind,” said Nuska.

Photo Caption: Conflict-affected women living in Mipaga Transitory Site, Marawi show their skills in beadweaving which they learned from the training with Raheema Women's Group. Raw materials are supplied by the Restoring Livelihoods and Learning in Marawi project funded the Japan Government through Asian Development Bank in collaboration with Save the Children Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry.  Photo taken in Marawi on November 26, 2020. Photo by Aedrian Araojo/Save the Children Philippines 

Which one do you choose- AWS or Microsoft Azure?

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Any organization whether it is vast or small works on data that can be in any form. Data storage becomes an essential part of the organization, as each step of the business plan depends upon data, and with growing businesses data increases significantly. Traditionally, data storage solutions were physical storage like a hard drive, then those devices need to be secured somewhere. In today’s time, companies and businesses are much more conscious about the safety and security of storing their business information in one place. In the digital era, every step we take and every move we make online will be counted, which is super essential for organizations to understand the buying and consumption patterns of their consumers. Not even online, but also offline, this is the time of smart devices which are self-data generating and well connected to the internet, thanks to the internet of things (Iot). With the help of Iot, we can get the details, how products are used. Because the smart devices are connected and help in understanding the consumption patterns. 

With the launch of technological innovations, corporations have moved from conventional storage machines in the direction of more augmented and efficient cloud storage solutions. Now, Business does not have to worry about losing their vital data because cloud storage program helps to keep their crucial industry data protected. Cloud has renovated the direction in which organizations manage their data. The information is on cloud-based storage servers is retrieved with the help of the internet. The companies which provide the network services and structure for the cloud are called cloud service providers (CSPs). Amazon and Microsoft are the two cloud help sources.

The public cloud platforms help consumers gain new resources, without including investing in new hardware or software anymore. Instead, they pay their cloud service supplier a subscription fee or pay only for the reserves they use. Merely by fill up web forms, users can set up accounts and spin up virtual machines or provision new applications.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are two of the greatest names in the world of public cloud computing. Which one is right for you? To help you make that conclusion, let us have a look at how these are putting their steps into the real world.

 

 

Microsoft Azure	Amazon Web Service (AWS)
Azure is the cloud service platform provided by Microsoft, which delivers services in various domains, like compute, storage, networking, database, and other functionality that supports businesses. Microsoft announced Azure in 2010. It is evolving as one of the prominent business-related cloud service suppliers. Software Developers and other personnel employ these services to build, operate, and coordinate services and applications through the cloud. Azure services are divided into the platform service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)	The name of the cloud service platform provided by Amazon is Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS was launched in 2006 and turn out to be the best cloud platform amongst the other cloud platforms. The various domains it provides services in are- Storage Service, Computing Service, and other functions that support businesses to expand. These services cater to operate with each other to generate an accessible and efficient result. These can be applied to develop and coordinate several applications in the cloud platform. Amazon Web Services are further classified into three types such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS).
Microsoft’s estimating is also pay-as-you-go, but they cost per minute, which offers a more precise pricing model. Azure also provides short-term promises with the alternative between pre-paid or monthly charges.	Amazon Web Services charges per hour. Amazon has a pay-as-you-go model. Services are purchasable on the following models: On-demand: Pay for what you use without direct cost. Reserved: Example for 1 or 3 years with direct cost on a user basis. Spot: Clients bid for extra capability available.
Microsoft offers Virtual Network (VNET) that enables users the ability to create isolated networks as well as subnets, route tables, private IP address ranges, and network gateways. Both services offer solutions to prolong the on-premises data center into the cloud and firewall option.	AWS provides VPC, i.e., Virtual private cloud facilitates the user to create separated networks inside the cloud. Within VPC, a user can build subnets, route tables, private IP address ranges, and network gateways.
Azure users choose Virtual Hard Disk (VHD), which is corresponding to a Machine Instance, to create a VM. Virtual Hard Disk can be pre-shaped by Microsoft, the user, or a 3rd party. The user should require the number of cores and memory.	AWS EC2 users can set up their own VMs or choose pre-configured device images or modify MIs. Customers select the size, power, memory capacity, and number of VMs, and choose from various areas and accessibility zones.
Azure is accessible to Hybrid cloud systems. Tools like- SQL database and Active Directory work well with Azure.	AWS is enclosed to private or third-party cloud providers. AWS also delivers more elasticity, capacity, and customization. But there is a learning curve with AWS.
Being a topnotch IT Provider, Microsoft has great assistance for hybrid cloud services, with platforms like Hybrid SQL Server, Azure StorSimple, and Azure Stack, a new hybrid cloud podium product brings almost full public Azure functionality to your own on-premises data centers using the same pay-as-you-go pricing model it offers for its public cloud.	AWS unveiled Snowball Edge, a 100TB hard drive for shifting loads between its cloud and clients’ data centers. It also added a hybrid element to its portfolio when it collaborated with VMware to allow its customers to rush into its cloud environments.
Azure brings native integration for the tools like- VBS, SQL database, Active Directory, in case one is already using these window development tools. Azure supports open source and now can run Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Apache Hadoop clusters, despite Microsoft has not always incorporated the model.	In this platform, there are more open-source integrations available which include GitHub and Jenkins. And it also supports Linux servers.
Microsoft alleges to have more than 50 compliant offerings, which include ITAR, DISA, HIPAA, CJIS, FIPS.	Amazon compliance offerings include certifications in ITAR, DISA, HIPAA, CJIS, FIPS, and more.

 

Final Thoughts-

With the above comparison or explanation, one can easily select the required services, both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are capable of catering to the best of their abilities and still evolving. Cloud is a new technology and any addition to these technologies will not surprise us in the future. It is found that these two cloud platforms have strong competencies. It is hard to select any one of them. It depends upon the business need while choosing from, you’ll be obtaining the profits of a hyper scalable cloud solution that can encounter your growing business requirements. Where on one side AWS is more flexible and provides additional features, but when it comes to Hybrid cloud and integration with Microsoft stack, Azure is an exceptional choice. Therefore, organizations can choose any of the cloud platforms, according to their requirements.

Read More Related Topics- Bag of words Using Python

 

Author’s Name- Palak Airon
Author’s Bio- Data Scientist personnel with over 8 years of professional experience in the IT industry. Competent in Data Science and Digital Marketing. Expertise in professionally researched technical Content Writing.

World’s first reusable, digitally connected planner launches in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Rocketbook Panda Planner is a scientifically-designed reusable daily planner that will empower you to take back control, reclaim your happiness and flourish in every way

Rocketbook, maker of Amazon’s best-selling notebook, is pleased to introduce, in partnership with Panda Planner, the Rocketbook Panda Planner. It is the world’s first reusable, digitally connected planner. Specifically designed to improve your productivity and happiness, the planner features several templates to help you set goals, measure your progress, and reflect on how far you’ve come. The templates are broken down into monthly, weekly, and daily sections that help organize every aspect of your life. The Planner features Rocketbook’s reusable technology, making it the last planner you’ll ever need to buy. The Planner is now available at Atlas starting at PHP 2100.

And as part of the #GiftsThatGiveBack campaign, for every purchase of the panda planner through Atlas, 10% of proceeds will support WWF-Philippines’ conservation initiatives.

This season of giving, consider giving gifts that give back. Together, we can #ChangeTheEnding for the people and the environment! 

In each of the monthly, weekly and daily sections, the Planner comes with pages designed for setting goals, making plans, end-of-day reviews, managing projects, and tracking habits. The Planner also provides space to write down what’s motivating you, as well as an area for meditation and affirmations. Rocketbook and Panda Planner designed each section to enable users to think through their priorities and goals, reflect on the past weeks’ happenings, and create a plan for the future that will bring increased productivity and happiness.

The Planner provides a classic pen and paper experience, but its eco-friendly design means there’s no more wasted paper. Featuring Rocketbook’s patented reusable technology, Planner’s synthetic paper allows you to write smoothly with a Pilot FriXion pen, marker or highlighter and then wipe the page clean with a damp cloth, enabling you to use the notebook again and again.

The Rocketbook Panda Planner also connects a variety of cloud services including Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, Box, iCloud, Slack, email and more for easy organization, uploading and sharing capabilities. Use the Rocketbook app to scan your notes, transcribe your handwriting, and send to your favorite service. Then, erase and use it again. Seven symbols at the bottom of each page act as the magic “buttons” behind Rocketbook’s quick and easy cloud organization. First, assign each icon to the cloud destination of your choice. Then, when you mark that icon on your page, the Rocketbook app automatically files your notes to the right place. The Rocketbook app also crops and enhances each page so your digital notes are even more crisp and vibrant than the real thing.

Rocketbook Panda Planner is available today in a variety of colors on Atlas for PHP 2100 in executive size and PHP 2200 in letter size. Notebooks also include one Pilot FriXion pen and microfiber cloth.

Massive Ipo Watershed Reforestation Slated Next Year

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DENR, GCash, WWF and BIOFIN to plant 365,000 native trees in 2021

Ipo Watershed, which supplies fresh water to 20 million people living or working in Metro Manila, will be bolstered with hundreds of thousands of new trees next year.

Through donations generated from GCash, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) will plant the first of 365,000 native trees like Narra, Lauaan, Kupang and Yakal as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in 2021.

“We originally wanted to plant in mid-2020, but decided to heed lockdown guidelines to ensure public safety,” explains Mabel Niala, Mynt Public Affairs and CSR Head of GCash. GCash is the Philippines’ top cashless service and serves a fifth of its population, plus 75,000 partner merchants and 75 nonprofits.

Using their mobile phones, users can plant trees through GCash Forest. Users earn Green Energy Points by reducing their individual carbon footprints. Paying bills online for instance, eliminates the need to drive to a bank and consume paper for receipts and forms. More points can be garnered for walking to work, taking the stairs and avoiding single-use plastic items.

When users reach 20,560 points, his or her virtual tree will be fully-grown and a corresponding native tree shall be planted in Ipo Watershed.

Cover photo:

Rainforestation is the process of restoring ailing forests with native rainforest species instead of commercial or fruit-bearing trees. Ipo Watershed’s plant nursery brims with native species like Yakal, Kupang, Narra, Lauaan and Dau. DENR, GCash, BIOFIN and WWF aim to plant 365,000 new trees as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in 2021.

Watersheds host resident and migratory populations of waterbirds, such as this pair of rare Philippine Ducks (Anas luzonica).

Trees for Water

Trees provide innumerable services for people and nature. They provide oxygen, shade, habitats, erosion-control, food, medicine and other benefits.

Sadly, they are being cut down at astronomical rates. The Philippines is losing at least 52,000 trees daily. Logging, slash-and-burn-farming and land development are annually erasing 47,000 hectares of forestland – an area thrice the size of Quezon City. Just 7.168 million hectares of forestland remains in the Philippines.

Watersheds are zones which naturally collect and store water. They are typically heavily-vegetated because trees absorb rainwater which drains into streams, rivers and lakes.

Ipo Watershed, together with the Angat and Umiray watersheds, supplies 98% of Metro Manila’s water needs. Situated northeast of the sprawling Metropolis, it covers 7236 hectares in Norzagaray and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, plus Rodriguez in Rizal. It is home to several species of charismatic animals, including the Philippine Brown Deer, Philippine Warty Pig, Tarictic Hornbill, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Osprey.

Though protected by several proclamations including a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title for the Indigenous Dumagat tribes of the watershed, Ipo Watershed is pockmarked by patches of burnt soil. From 85%, forest cover plummeted to 40% in recent years, mostly due to slash-and-burn or kaingin farming and charcoal-making.

It is estimated that for 2021, Metro Manila’s water demands will overtake supply by as much as 13% during peak days, meaning more dry faucets and unserved households – but taking care of watersheds can avert this.

“GCash Forest has proven that mobile technology can generate real change for our forests,” says Niala. “Everyone can now get a chance to plant a tree through the click of a button. If you haven’t tried GCash Forest yet, please download the app and help restore our forests today.”

Water scarcity is a daily reality of millions of people. Planting trees and protecting groundwater sources is a form of insurance to keep our taps flowing.

Ipo Watershed, together with the Angat and Umiray Watersheds, supplies 98% of the water requirements of Metro Manila, one of the world’s most densely-populated cities with a daytime population of 20 million people. In March 2019, 10,000 households lost access to fresh water owing to reduced water levels in nearby La Mesa Dam. Conversely, the lack of trees around Metro Manila contributed to massive and highly-destructive floods in late 2020.

Raising Wussies with House Bill No.1526, An Act Banning Minors from Full-Contact Competitive Sports

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ako Bicol Reps. Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co have filed House Bill No. 1526, titled An Act Banning Minors from Full-Contact Competitive Sports which seeks to "prohibit the participation of minors in competitive full-contact sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu, muay thai, judo, taekwondo and various forms of full-contact karate."

To congress: please pass a bill banning us, from having full contact with the author of this bill and for them to be declared persona non utak or persona utak biya!

Pucha!!! Sports in any form helps strengthen kids/adults immune system!!! Gaguhan ba tong bill na to?

Just look at Japan and Korea where early sports and arts are inculcated in children.

“Karate Adult” doesn’t sound as catchy as “Karate Kid”...

The Pussy-fication of the next generation has officially begun.

We are going to raise a generation of pussies if this bill materialize. Pain is a great teacher.

If they really want to keep kids safer, they should ban things like super sugary candy or drinks like softdrink that are making our kids obese and unhealthy. 

Better to ban online gaming especially with going Live and kids cussing here and there. The nonsense noise is too annoying.

Martial arts is cool and it instills a different type of discipline to kids. They learn to focus and apply strategic self-defense to protect themselves and keep loved ones safe too.

Physically, just like any other sports, improves your outlook on keeping fit and healthy, thus giving special attention to what kids eat and work on to maintain fitness and health.

This is another bill that will make weaklings of our children. Stop protecting them in the most inane of ways. Do you really want a generation of sissies and ninnies?

Do they want our future generations to be wimps and become snowflakes? Martial arts help can help kids grow both physically and mentally! The discipline combined with the knowledge of defense and attack can save lives.

Next maybe padded basketball courts and full body armour for players. 

This reminds me of a Christian group that believes martial arts is satanic  and the belts they use holds the evil sprite.

I’m guessing the next bill is to not hurt any criminals when they are apprehended and use little to no force at all. 

If this is a response to that Ateneo kid who went viral in 2018 when he bullied other kids by using his Taekwondo, then you're so late.

Although it is not appropriate during this pandemic, sports should be encouraged - not limited, especially for kids who need the discipline. After this Pandemic is over, we should encourage our children to be active in such.

Who authored this trash of a bill? Which wont pass...im sure There are provisions in the constitution that violates the rights of children to play.

HB1526 authored by Congressmen Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol Partylist.

These congressmen are apparently not Cobra Kai material.

Lately bills being proposed are becoming stupid to stupidier if there is such. Like, is that the best thing you could think of? Shame on the proponents of that bill and the likes.

"This is stupid. If this bill is passed, it will have been done by people who don't understand anything about anything.

You rarely ever see kids get severely hurt in contact sports. What martial arts instills in essentially every minor who falls in love with these disciplines is honor, humility, respect for foes, and a powerful camaraderie between teammates. EVERYONE KNOWS THIS.

Yes, some kids turn into arrogant little assholes, but those are extremely rare cases. An overwhelming majority of teens and preteens who walk into a jiu-jitsu class or a muay thai gym or a wrestling mat with even just the sliightest semblance of an ego walk out humbled -- yet stronger and more confident to face a world teeming with bullies and snakes.

Oh, and if this is about Covid, kindly check the latest from the CDC and the WHO and find out for yourself how the data explicitly shows that the Corona rate for kids is so trivially, preposterously low that's it's basically negligible at this point. Apart from newborns, there is literally no age demographic safer from Covid than minors.

So please stop passing dumb bills. The point of your job is to make the world a better place, not to turn the next generation into a pitiful assortment of weak, oversensitive telenovela drama queens who will never get the opportunity to learn the powerful, breathtaking beauty of what it's like to struggle, feel pain, and come out on the other side a better human being.

Our lawmakers are getting bankrupt of ideas that's why stupid bills such as this are being filed. There is one bill filed by Senator Gordon which became a law. It's about the plate number of motorcycles. 

Having lawmakers like these is one of the best arguments why we should just go for a unicameral form of legislature. With that, we can save a lot of government funds and we can have lesser useless lawmakers filing useless and absurd bills." - Franco Mabanta

Duterte to fireworks makers: Look for other livelihood

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"President Rodrigo Duterte said he will give firecracker manufacturers a year to find new sources of income as he is considering declaring a total ban on the use of fireworks – the same policy being implemented in Davao City – beginning December 2021."

"Palace tells firework makers to look for other livelihoods".

Sana man lang "Palace assured firework makers that they will be provided with other livelihoods" 

What a dork! That is the government's RESPONSIBILITY. That is what the government should focus on. Jobs or Livelihoods for the Filipinos. And in turn they have to pay taxes. If he could provide work for the Chinese that they let in the country, they should also be able to do the same for the Pinoys.

Kaso ang galing-galing talaga ni Tatay. Always trabaho ng hindi nag-iisip ang peg. Akala yata niya great idea Yun since dangerous naman talaga ang firecrackers, but he is forgetting this damn Coronavirus! Again, wrong timing. Kahit 2021 pa Yan, we don't really know when this pandemic will lasts.

What will the manufacturers and their employees do? Line up in the streets and beg? Looks like another spur of the moment utterances and no alternative plan to help the displaced owners and workers. Kadiri talaga itong administration na ito. Puro pahirap lang ang naiisip. Laging kulang-kulang at short-sighted ang action plans? Walang vision for the future. Or no plan at all talaga since Day 1?

The government should help them find a new source of livelihood! How stupid can you get! Remember that there's still.the pandemic. I think it will be difficult to just switch business for the owners, or work for the laborers.

At this point,,we should focus more on providing jobs and livelihood instead of taking those away. Although the president is raising a few valid points, this is not the right time to slap this one on the affected populace.

Better if the government gives them alternative livelihood as part of their anti poverty programs. Let the concerned agencies do their jobs. Sayang ang pinapasahod sa kanila.

Duterte still thinks the whole country can be handled like Davao. This man never learned his lesson. After three to dix months he promised to get rid of crime, which includes drugs, but now where are we with this drugs problem?

Like banning it is gonna help? People will find other ways to outsource firecrackers. Can he please stop treating The Philippines like Davao? 

Instead of providing jobs to those who are affected by the pandemic, it seems this administration is enjoying closing businesses, and taking away the jobs of the people. For every action, they should give a solution....in this case, sources of livelihood. 

In the world fireworks displays are all over, and being done in many occasions in situations needed by a country, to entertain and for merry making activities.

To stop people engaged in business, and the government does not present any alternative for their livelihood is a deprivations of their right to a decent living. The government must give them jobs for assurance of a sustainable living. Give them a means for their financial stability.

The country would be safer without Duterte should be the one to leave the Presidency and go find another job. He doesn't even deserve going back to Davao as a Mayor.

Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco renewed their marriage vows, and we all laughed out loud

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tawang tawa ba kayo sa renewal of vows ng MELASON?

‘How You Like That’ by Blackpink +

‘Kill This Love’ by Blackpink +

‘Dynamite’ by BTS = Melai’s Vow. 

That about sums it all up. It wasn't done seriously but as another laugh opportunity for their viewers.

Melai is that one comedienne that can be funny without green jokes, degrading someone and exaggerating.

Melai and Jason renewed their vows on #MagandangBuhay! Obviously to spice up the show but it was truly wacky. Not my kind of jokes but the audience seem to like it.

Yup, ABS-CBN shows still have an audience since the other TV networks could not match up to its prominence. I think they've already mastered giving what the masses want. Not necessarily the need, but it is what the majority wants.

I know Melai intentionally mentioned the lyrics of Black Pink’s song Ice Cream "How you like that, Kill this love and Ice cream" in the renewal of vows with her husband Jason Francisco. This is trying their best to be cute and funny.

Did it work? Probably why it's now trending. Unless this is another "sponsored" viral.

Yung ikakasal ka na tapos you're about to make your vow pero at the same time die-hard K-pop fanatic ka. Buwiset ka Melai, fave ko yung "now look at you now look at me, how you like that" 

Shota! The inner blink jumped out of Melai. Melai never fails to serve those comedic lines! Brava!

"And you will always be the one who'll light me up like a Dynamite."

No one's complaining, though. Melai's a national treasure after all. I can't say the same thing about the gay comedian who reeks of entitlement.

Oh my gosh. Sobrang tawa ko nito kanina. Lol. 

Hindi na Bawal Lumabas si Kim Chiu on Forbes Asia's 100 Digital Stars on Asia Pacific's Most Influential Celebrities on Social Media

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kim Chiu was recognized for turning her viral but widely-bashed Bawal Lumabas statement against ABS-CBN’s shutdown back in May into a hit single and merchandise to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts.  

“TOTOO NGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!😭 OMG!!! OMG!!!!!!! No words!!!! I am a part of ASIA PACIFIC’s MOST INFLUENTIAL CELEBRITIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA!❤️😭No words!!! FORBES!!! Sorry capital letters lahat!!! Para intense yun yung nararamdaman ko now!!! LIKE WOW!!!!! Ang #bawallumabas umabot ng FORBES.Com,” exclaimed Kim on her Instagram post.

Kim Chiu, the Millennial Multimedia Idol, has certainly risen above all adversities this year. She is proof that KINDNESS and having a PURE HEART gets rewarded in return. Kudos on your achievement as one of the 100 Most Influential Star in ASIA PACIFIC by Forbes Magazine. 

Forbes Asia's inaugural 100 Asia's Digital  Stars. 

Philippines: 

Marian Rivera 

Kim Chiu

Anne Curtis

Angel Locsin

Sarah Geronimo

Francine Diaz

Kathrine Bernardo

Forbes Asia's inaugural #100DigitalStars list, spotlighting 100 singers, bands, and film and TV stars from across the Asia-Pacific region who have taken the digital world by storm.

Heartfelt congratulations to Kim Chiu and so pleased to see her accomplishing great things and being recognized for such.

She is one example of what a humble celebrity can accomplish.

I'm not sure if I should stop her from making statements on issues as her bumbling logic has contributed to her popularity...or should we say... infamy?

This was all because of her "Bawal Lumabas, Sa classroom may batas" statement that earned her a single, a shirt and now a TV Series. Her hosting on the noontime show It's Showtime also is a plus factor for her as we can see how truly natural it is for her to be goofy. Lol!

Kim Chiu is still happy to be part of Kapamilya! 

"We're always a Kapamilya!" 

The thought of her erroneously awkward  Bawal Lumabas interview gave her the spotlight. Now we got confirmation that even bad publicity can be turned into something positive.

The NEW @iwanttfc Series #BawalLumabas unveils it's official poster and it's release date on iWantTFC this DECEMBER 14. It is top-billed by Paolo Angeles, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, Trina Legazpi, Rafael Rosell and Kim Chiu. https://t.co/NP9qx3jUZy

Her nonsense turned into a series. Seryoso siya to pursue a comedian peg.

Sinakyan na lang po niya kaysa naman malugmok sa kahihiyan. Pinagkakitaan pa niya hindi po ba? 

Receiving those kinds of tweets could ruin a life if a person is not strong enough to handle bashing. We choose to be kind, but most often we persecute. Be wary of suicidal tendencies for we would not really know when a person had enough of the hate and disappointments in life.

Ngayon, kayo na ang naasar dahil sumikat siya inspire of all her mistakes. Who knows, it could have been intentional....a gimmick to boost her presence since the pandemic and the shutdown of ABS-CBN did weakened the celebrities opportunities to earn.

Kim Chiu is one of your Hall of Famers that up to this day continues to shine brighter, a pandemic superstar at that and still an example of a good role model to the youth.

Kim Chiu may not be a woman of substance, but the novelty she unintentionally created has sparked more life to an otherwise faltering showbiz career.

WWF-PH recognizes local sustainable urban development champions in the One Planet City Challenge Awarding Ceremony 2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

13 cities across the country were awarded on December 9 in the first-ever virtual run of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ One Planet City Challenge Awarding Ceremony, hosted by WWF-PH Ambassador Karen Ibasco.

The event, which was held via Zoom, recognized the efforts of the Philippine cities that participated in the 2019-2020 run of One Planet City Challenge (OPCC)—the WWF network’s biennial global challenge that aims to promote best practices in climate mitigation and adaptation anchored in the cities’ crucial role in building a sustainable and climate-safe future. 

Above photo shows WWF-PH Executive Director Jose Angelito Palma commends the awardees for finding solutions to ensure that development is made sustainable, putting into the equation the health of the environment and the health of their citizens. 

In his opening remarks, Palma expressed his appreciation for the Philippine cities that participated in this call for transformational governance.

"We would like to thank the 13 cities for striving to make things better. We hope that all (Philippine) cities will do their part to ensure that we attain our 1.5°C target because it connects to our survival. Maraming salamat, and we hope we all put our minds and efforts together to attain a more sustainable and climate-friendly future not just for the Philippines, but the whole world,” said Mr. Palma.

WWF-PH Project Manager for One Planet Cities Imee Bellen shares the critical role of cities in a climate-defined future and how the One Planet City Challenge aims to help transform these urban areas. Photograph © WWF-Philippines.

Bellen highlighted the critical role of cities as important actors in the transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable future as well as provided an overview of the OPCC 2020, which represented 66% of the global population, with 255 cities from 53 countries sharing their plans and initiatives to achieve climate resiliency. Meanwhile, a representative from ICLEI-Southeast Asia Secretariat, Pamela Cabacungan shared the data submissions of the 13 participating cities that served as the basis of the screening assessment and feedback. 

WWF-PH Integrated Communications Manager Pamela Bianca Luber shares the best practices of this year’s We Love Cities Campaign local finalists. Interwoven with the One Planet Cities Challenge, We Love Cities Campaign is a WWF initiative which has empowered the general public globally with the opportunity to celebrate, vote, and upgrade their city through suggestions made and addressed to decision-makers. Through the OPCC, Batangas City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City, were the representatives of the Philippines in this year’s We Love Cities campaign and all the three Philippine cities ranked into the Top 10, out of 54 cities in 26 participating countries across the globe for the 2020 edition. Photograph © WWF-Philippines.

Also present was WWF-Philippines Integrated Communications Manager Pamela Luber who discussed the process and objectives of the WLC campaign, including the digital efforts by the national representatives. Batangas City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City all ranked within the Top 10, out of 54 cities in 26 participating countries across the globe for the 2020 edition. 

League of Cities of the Philippines Executive Director Atty. Shereen Gail Yu-Pamituan gives a keynote message acknowledging the efforts of the participating cities to create a climate-secure future for their constituents.

Pamituan gave a keynote message acknowledging the efforts of the participating cities to create a more sustainable future for their communities, even in these challenging times.

“Without a doubt, environmental sustainability lies at the intersection of public health and climate change. Thus, it is very encouraging to see the quality of work exhibited by our cities to address this despite restrictions in movement and limited resources in this very unique time in history. It only highlights the commitment and dedication of our cities to be of service to their communities and support actions that aim to mitigate the impact of climate change and COVID19,” Atty. Yu-Pamituan shared. 

Wrapping up the event is WWF-PH Climate and Energy Programme Head Atty. Angela Ibay who led the commitment ceremony encouraging cities to continue doing climate actions that will lead them to a 1.5C trajectory and encourage other cities to ensure a climate-secure future for their constituents.

Atty. Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines Climate and Energy Programme Head, wrapped up the event by leading the commitment ceremony to continue doing climate actions that will lead them to a 1.5°C trajectory and encourage other cities to ensure a climate-secure future for their constituents. Atty. Ibay also noted the role of cities in achieving a future where both nature and people thrive. “Despite all the challenges that our Philippine cities face, we have seen how they have continued to positively act and contribute to climate and environmental action. Across our OPCC participant cities, we are heartened by their generosity in sharing ideas on how cities can become cleaner, greener and more sustainable, recognizing that they can act as transformation catalysts. This is critical not just now but more so for the future of our planet and the next generation.” 

Batangas City Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacucha gives a pre-recorded acceptance speech on behalf of her city and constituents, for being conferred both the National Winner award for the One Planet City Challenge 2020 and the overall global winner and the Most Lovable City award in this year’s We Love Cities Campaign. Batangas City has developed a comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation plan to achieve its vision of becoming the first carbon-neutral city in the Philippines by 2030.

With cities accounting for 70% of carbon emissions globally and generating 80% of the total GDP, their political leadership and economic power are considered instrumental in the transition to a more stable climate. Follow WWF-Philippines’ social media pages for more information about the organization’s transformative partnerships with local government units as they work to #ChangeTheEnding for the community, the country, and ultimately—the planet.

Awarded during the program were the following participating cities: Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Dipolog City, La Carlota City, Malolos City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, Quezon City, San Carlos City, and Tagum City. Also recognized were finalists Muntinlupa City and Santa Rosa City, as well as Batangas City, who bagged both the OPCC National Winner title and the World’s Most Lovable City award in the We Love Cities (WLC)—the organization’s public engagement campaign aiming to raise awareness and inspire citizens to engage in the sustainability efforts of their respective cities. 

For the first time in its history, a Philippine city was awarded as the global winner of the We Love Cities Campaign. 

Job Description: Are Graphic Artists / Designers required to be multi-talented?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you're a newly graduated Graphic Artist or Designer, you've probably encountered job openings that require you to be multi-talented, in short a one-man team for anything and everything related to multimedia which includes but is not limited to photo and video production and editing, animation, and even managing social media entries, etc. 

You basically are expected to do everything that requires both knowledge on art and technology, aside from having the eye for creativity and beauty.

Back then, when a company is looking for a "graphic artist", the work mostly revolves around design and layout in desktop publishing or print media. 

Nowadays, when I look at the requirements of "graphic artist" needed by some establishments,  they must have some knowledge in photography, video editing and web design. That's like hiring four professionals (artist, photographer, video editor and multimedia designer) already. 

Clearly, these companies are either misinformed on the title(s) and scope of work it entails. Or maybe they are just exploiting graphic designers by doing this?

The new trend seems going to the point of multitasking for a title of designer which truly frustrating. 

A lot are requiring the same "capabilities" especially those who are starting up their businesses. But to survive and become competitive, the graphic design community should really invest on knowing more since a lot of companies are offering creative services as a package. That's the reality now, and most are accepting and just going into the industry because of financial needs... that is why it is not surprising to see half-baked outputs and businesses. The graphics designer is overworked or not a specialist for being a jack of all trades. Let's admit it that you can't be an expert in everything. You can't focus on a task since you are overwhelmed with too many responsibilities.

Maybe we should look back at the curriculum. Who came up with the idea of a multimedia course? It's doable only if you study them all first before actually working. Then just update yourself when new technology comes through out the years like new software and hardware. In a few years, just as how robots have replaced workers in the manufacturing industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be capable of doing what only we could do now. Adapt or die will be the new rule of the game because technology is becoming smarter than us.

At the moment, while we still have the skills, maybe we could do an information campaign for each skill set can help lessen the misinformation.

But with the current situation now, unless there's a slow on-going collective consciousness, realization and effort...it's a long road ahead for everyone.