ePLDT recognized as one of the Top Direct Cloud Service Providers in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ePLDT, an industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines, has recently been recognized as one of the Top CSP Direct Providers in the Philippines for Microsoft's Fiscal Year 2020—further strengthening its years-long collaboration with Microsoft and its foothold in the cloud landscape.

Moreover, ePLDT has recently been recognized by Microsoft as the Number 1 Telco Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) in the Philippines. Among Microsoft's CSP Direct Providers in the Philippines, ePLDT has been ranked as the among highest which attests to the group’s technical expertise and robust cloud infrastructure in place necessary to enable the end-to-end deployment of Microsoft solutions to its customer base.

“Achieving these recognitions proves our relentless drive at ePLDT to provide world-class technology services for our dear customers. And we wish to continue that through our longstanding collaboration with Microsoft, which is further fortified by our industry expertise and knowledge,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

The group has also been granted Gold Level status in five key technology areas which demonstrate ePLDT’s capabilities in delivering Microsoft solutions for specialized areas of business.

To date, ePLDT has attained Gold Level in Cloud Platform, Cloud Productivity, Collaboration & Content, Data Center, and Small & Midmarket Cloud Solutions. The company has likewise reached Silver Level in Application Development, Security, Messaging and Enterprise Mobility Management . ePLDT is also currently exerting efforts to achieve Gold Level for Security, Messaging and Enterprise Mobility Management competencies within the first half of 2021.

“We at ePLDT ensure the continuous exploration of emerging technologies and best business practices for us to come up with solutions that are tailored to the growing needs of enterprises. And through our strategic partnership with Microsoft, we can further create better cloud solutions to help the success and growth of businesses,” said Nico Alcoseba, VP & Head of ICT Business for PLDT Enterprise.

As one of the leading Cloud Solutions Providers in the Philippines, ePLDT strives to keep best practices on migration services and adoption programs that are customized for businesses. ePLDT has a dedicated pool of professional service delivery teams to carry out best-in-class service delivery of Microsoft solutions. Furthermore, ePLDT also has among the most number of Sales and Pre-sales teams selling Microsoft technologies—presenting industry solutions that cover nation-wide projects in the Philippines.

“Our focus in working with ePLDT has always been making sure it is poised to achieve its business vision and manage its customers to remain connected, productive and secure. Through our longstanding collaboration with ePLDT, we’re able to deliver on that commitment, providing Filipino businesses with the advanced cloud-based tools and technologies they need to respond, recover, build resilience and achieve more,” said Andres Ortola, Microsoft Philippines country general manager.

To learn more, visit epldt.com.

Take advantage of Your Smartphone with These Accessories

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Today is the age of mobile phones. Devices that are portable as well as store a selection of information that can be available to you in all times. Practically every person nowadays has a Smartphone because of their wide range of costs as well as attributes. Not just that, these phones are exceptionally beneficial in all our daily activities, consisting of studying, estimations, buying and selling, making to-do lists, remaining in touch with loved ones and so far more. Every little thing that a computer system can do, a mobile phone can currently accomplish while being a great deal smaller sized in size.

While all this is true, the attributes and also access of mobile phones can be boosted by many folds with the help of mobile accessories. While taking into consideration mobile devices, you need to make certain you are selecting the ideal one to go with your phone that will boost its functions as well as aid to take advantage of your tool. 

What Are Smart Phones?

A Smartphone is a gadget or a gadget that uses both cellular along with computing features. Smartphone’s run in a manner that they provide their individual with the normal phone call and also text alternatives yet additionally are able to connect to the net and also essentially supply all the features that come with a computer. Several of these attributes include video calls, voice calls through the net, making use of social media sites as well as browsing the internet, taking images as well as making videos, making lists and notes, calculations and also trading, tracking your health and wellness, having pointers and also alerts for birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries or unique occasions, therefore a lot more. 

Phone Accessories to Improve Your Gadget Features

Smart devices nowadays feature a range of features. While most of them are integrated, a few of them can be accessed with the help of some accessories. These devices not just aid boost particular functions however also offer boosted efficiency as well as personal privacy in many cases.

While there are a number of accessories to pick from, some of one of the most considerable ones is the following:


1. Wireless Headphones

In my sight, headphones could be one of the most crucial and crucial accessories to have actually been created. Wireless headphones enable us to listen to a wide range of products without disturbing others as well as while likewise maintaining our privacy. You can see videos and stream films or sporting activities such as cricket, football, baseball as well as basketball etc or pay attention to songs while going on a jog, listening to your preferred podcasts or audio books on your everyday drive to function as well as back. With the earphones connected in, you can be being in a congested bus yet still appreciating your favorite songs or have your recommended inspirational podcasts pumping you while you workout. 

It has consistently been a discussion, as is with each arising innovation, regardless of whether remote earphones are truly great! Are they just celebrated renditions of an embellishment, or do they add esteem! This is, obviously, disputable as per the taste and inclination of the person. Nonetheless, what CEO Tim Cook alluded to as Wireless Future, before long turned into a subject of discussion among general wellbeing specialists.

While a teacher from UC Berkely School of Public Health said that 'We are behaving recklessly here'– alluding to the new Apple earphones, the last architects and promoting chiefs contend that the microwave radiations transmitted are well inside the FCC rules. The incongruity here is, in excess of 200 researchers who have considered the impacts of electromagnetic fields are of the assessment that FCC rules are lacking to figure out what is useful for wellbeing, and what isn't. In any case, once more, specialists across the world have found a way to lessen remote radiations in schools to get kids far from these hurtful radiations.If RF radiation is caught up in enormous amounts by water, food, liquids, and body tissues, it produces warm and can prompt consumes and tissue harms. RF radiation doesn't cause malignancy as the DNA isn't harmed however is conjectured to have organic impacts that could bring about disease in certain conditions. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are likewise a piece of this man-made RF radiation.

Albeit the cases of such radiations influencing our wellbeing are valid, a large number of these gadgets have gone through extraordinary upgrades and have brought about a protected method of creating gadgets that can be utilized by the populace all around the world.

All in all, what are we missing here? Also, what truly is the elements of these Wireless Headphones?

2. Power Bank or Portable Charger

Power financial institutions or mobile chargers are one more among the vital mobile accessories to have actually been presented in the past decade. A power financial institution is a device that you can bill and carry with you as well as use it charges your phone with later. If you are going anywhere you may not have accessibility to buttons or plugs, or even traveling far away, it is fairly most likely that your phone will certainly lack charge. This is a very unpleasant situation to be in because after that you are more or less incapable to connect with anybody as well as it can be fairly challenging. For this purpose, bring a charged power financial institution with you is really important to make sure that not only are you able to access the contents of your phone at all times but also can contact your member of the family or social services in case of an emergency situation.

3. Mass Storage Space or SD Cards

SD cards are made use of to add extra storage to your phone. Occasionally phones include integrated storage that wants for your data or it goes out after a long time of use. For this objective, you can currently include additional storage to your smart phones as well as shop a lot more pictures, videos, songs, publications therefore far more. Extra storage space suggests more room to save stuff that you might not wish to eliminate from your phones. Not just that, SD cards can directly be connected into DD card readers to move your information from your phone to your laptop.

Pinoy Contestant Louie Sangalang Recounts Tough Selection Process on ‘The Apprentice’ and What Makes the ‘Ideal’ Candidate

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Following the conclusion of his professional combat sports career, Filipino Louie Sangalang pivoted to his corporate ambitions, where he developed the skills that later on earned him a spot on upcoming reality television series, “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition.”

The former undefeated URCC Featherweight Champion is one of 16 “candidates” on ONE Championship’s unique take on the “Apprentice” franchise, all competing for a US $250,000 job offer to work for a year under ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Sangalang reveals it has been a dream of his to join the hit show.

“I’ve always wanted to join ‘The Apprentice.’ So when I found out that there was going to be a ONE Championship Edition, I thought to myself, this fits my skills perfectly. I’m a martial artist at heart, and I’m highly interested in sports. So I figured, why not? I just wanted to give it a shot,” said Sangalang.

“I think anyone who got selected would feel ecstatic about that, right? First of all, it’s not just any organization. It’s a huge and a very young and powerful company. Second, ONE Championship is a big name in the martial arts scene. There’s a duopoly between ONE Championship and the UFC, globally, and ONE occupies a huge space in the market, especially in Asia. Another thing that excited me was the perception that it was going to be a tough competition, all driven by challenges. It’s what really motivated me. It’s something that aligned with my willingness to take on challenges in my life.”

When the “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” was announced in early 2020, ONE Championship almost immediately received thousands of applications to join the show. Potential candidates had to undergo a rigid auditioning process, with only a select few making it through to the final stages of casting.

Though Sangalang built his confidence through his lifelong training of martial arts, he mentioned the importance of not being too confident and self-absorbed. Sangalang auditioned for “The Apprentice” because it was a dream of his, but wasn’t exactly sure he would actually get in.

“I’m not the type of person who likes to be overconfident or sure of things. I’m not the type of person who overly tries to psyche himself up and tell himself he can do things. I don’t go in there riding high and willing to take on any task, right,” said Sangalang.

“I’m the type of person who likes to come in well-prepared instead. It minimizes mistakes, helps me prepare for the unexpected. So the short answer is no, I wasn’t really expecting to get in, which is why I was relieved when I received the news from Chatri that I was selected. The last step in the process was talking to Chatri, and he basically told me that I got in.”

“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is touted as the toughest version in the show’s history, consisting of both business and physical challenges. The franchise itself has aired in more than 120 countries around the globe.

The first season of ONE Championship’s spin on the reality show premieres in March and consists of 13 episodes. Sangalang is one of 16 candidates all vying to be called, “The Apprentice.”

Now that his time on the show is done, however, Sangalang has some advice for future applicants. If ONE Championship decides to run another season, Sangalang believes potential candidates have to possess certain skills and characteristics.

“I think, first of all, critical thinking is very important in order to process a problem. Not the cookie-cutter type of processing, but being able to look at a problem and see how you can solve it within a box, with ideas from outside the box. You have to have a lot of creativity and experience in order to identify potential solutions,” said Sangalang.

“If you don’t have creativity and are unwilling to act on new ideas, you’re going to have a hard time. At the same time, if you have experience but have never tried anything out of the ordinary, what separates you from everybody else? You need to be able to set yourself apart and your personal brand, regardless of what that is. Another important thing is you have to be relatable, so that when people watch the show, they will say ‘I get this guy.’”

“Lastly, despite all your skill set, you have to be a fit in the culture you’re joining. You can be the best in the show, but still not be hired for a job for whatever reason. You’re just not going to get in and that’s just the reality of it. The reality of getting a job has a lot to do with the culture fit. You have to be real, authentic. On the TV screen, everything is magnified, so if you’re real, it will help you build your personal brand,” Sangalang concluded.

PHLPost vows stringent measures to prevent entry of party drugs

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Tuesday vowed to implement more stringent security measures following the seizure of about P4.9 million worth of party drugs at the Manila Central Post Office.

Authorities had conducted operations and apprehended a certain Ron Ron Salonga, of Port Area Manila while in the act of claiming a parcel containing the alleged ecstasy or “party drugs” at the Manila Central Post Office Parcel Division.

More or less, a total of 2,878 tablets were found hidden along with clothes, shoes and other personal items.

“We remain vigilant in our effort to thwart illegal drugs on mails and at the same time preventing the Posts as a medium of transshipment of illegal drugs in the country through our Inspectorate Service Department,” PHLPost said in a statement.

Preventive measures have been undertaken by the PHLPost to stop the entry of ecstasy tablets and illegal drugs at the entry point where parcels and other mails are processed for delivery.

PHLPost said that it has been doing its part in the government’s effort to specifically stop illegal drugs and other prohibited materials from entering the country through the mail.

“Security measures are being done by the PHLPost Inspectorate Department in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to help detect the entry of illegal drugs allowing the agency’s drug sniffing dogs to check suspicious items for delivery to addressees or consignees”. PHLPost is currently using specialized equipment installed at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City which is capable of detecting contraband in the country.

PHLPost said it “beefed up” measures including “tracking, advanced data collection and close coordination with other country’s postal administrations, security assistance from drug and law enforcement units, and other risk management procedures that would mitigate the threat of using postal service in illegal activities.”

BlastAsia Introduces an Innovative Cloud-Powered Platform to “Uberize” Businesses

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Empowering Companies with Ordering & Fulfillment Automation, to Build DIY Customer Self-Service Apps backed by Connected Back-end Processes


(The various ordering & fulfilment activities that can be automated using Steer)

BlastAsia, a leading Philippine software product engineering company, recently announced a powerful new platform called Steer, which enables companies to build apps for customers to order/check status using their smart phones, as well as for internal teams to manage workflows and records using their phones, tablets, or laptops. These apps are fully integrated to back-end processes and systems and are built in a short time - with no coding skills needed.



“We saw a gap between what businesses need and how they can adapt technology to suit those needs,” explained Arup Maity, President and CEO of BlastAsia. “Custom software development is not for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—it takes too long and has a high upfront cost and risk associated with it. Steer is our response and solution to help businesses “uberize” their business model. To uberize, as the Cambridge Dictionary describes it, is to change the market for a service by introducing a different way of buying or using it, especially using mobile technology”.



BlastAsia wanted to provide a solution that would cater to the specific needs of SMEs—and so the Steer platform was born. Their research found that 86% of consumers prefer not to talk with customer support and would rather use a self-service app. Yet, only 2% of companies successfully address this issue. This is why SMEs can lose critical business to larger and more digitally transformed enterprises.

“We wanted to build a software as a service (SaaS) product that is secure and reliable, one that our clients can sign in on their own, set up their apps, and roll out these apps across their organization without even the need to talk to us,” explains Maity. “We envisioned Steer to become a powerful go-to platform for any business that relies on its customers placing a phone call to get a service to go digital.”

Using the cloud to power platforms and empower SMEs



To bring their vision to life, BlastAsia knew it needed a powerful cloud service to support its users. The software company turned to Microsoft Azure, building from its experience as a Microsoft Gold Partner for Application Development and Cloud Platform. It initially used the free version of Microsoft Azure to understand how to take advantage of Microsoft cloud technologies.

“Azure is one of the easiest cloud technologies that we've come across,” says Roy Saberon, IT Head at BlastAsia. “It’s also one of the most comprehensive in terms of all the different products that you can find in one place.” Maity agrees and adds, “In building Steer, we used different tools and services such as Service Bus, Cosmos DB, and Cognitive Services. Azure allowed us to choose from a range of the latest technologies for Steer.”

It took three years to build Steer into a dynamic, flexible and user-friendly tool that allows businesses to digitize their operations. Throughout the development process, BlastAsia worked closely with Microsoft.

Microsoft provided full support and with the depth of knowledge on Microsoft products and use, BlastAsia launched Steer at the right time—right before COVID-19. Today, Steer is helping businesses go digital and adapt to work-style changes triggered by the health crisis.

“The help we received from Microsoft in building Steer was instrumental. They are very responsive,” says Saberon.

A world where everyone can build digital solutions



BlastAsia hopes to democratize digitization across businesses both big and small. It designed Steer to let non-programmers easily build customer self-service apps without paying high costs and investing too much time.

“The best thing is that you can build an unlimited number of apps under the same license,” Maity explains. “We are hoping that this will encourage our clients to not just stop building one or two apps, but continuously build more solutions and go completely digital.”

BlastAsia is confident that they will be able to help a larger number of companies with Steer. “Moving forward, our goal is to help about 2,000 companies to go digital by the end of next year. Not only in the Philippines, but all over the world.”

In the next three months, the BlastAsia team will be making Steer even more efficient and easy—to the point that its clients won’t even need to call the company for help when setting up. BlastAsia wants to continue transforming businesses, one do-it-yourself (DIY) cloud solution at a time.

Fundamental bitcoin trading aspects need to be known

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By and by, practically any item or administration that can be bought with dollars or different monetary forms can likewise be bought with bitcoins. Then again, the high unpredictability of bitcoins is a major danger for certain individuals who might need to utilize this cryptocurrency, yet fear the value contrast. By the by, the highlights of Bitcoin make them ideal for web installments. Actually the davidicke.com is one of the best way to get all the bitcoin trading tips and tricks.

Quick exchanges 

A Bitcoin exchange is handled in 10-15 minutes. On account of a bank move, it can require hours or even days to move cash starting with one record then onto the next. Some may say that PayPal or other Evolts are much quicker. Valid, this can be circumventing however not except if you're a nerd who understands what he's doing. 

Privacy 

At the point when you send bitcoins to an accomplice on the Web, the exchange will be recorded in the blockchain. The rundown of exchanges is public, and can be confirmed on a unique site. Just ID number, sum and time are entered. It’s absolutely impossible for anybody to know where bitcoins come from, and where they go. This is an element of Bitcoins that has pulled in many individuals. Indeed, some of them are keen on it since they can purchase illicit merchandise with them, however most of bitcoin clients are individuals who need to purchase lawful products and enterprises, yet who have their own character. Try not to need to show Porn and betting destinations might be deceptive, yet they are not illicit, so the individuals who wish to buy in to these administrations can safely pay in bitcoins on the site that acknowledges this cash. , Realizing that their standing won't be influenced. 

Little commissions 

The normal commission for the exchange is 0.002 BTC. This is altogether more modest than PayPal or the Financial Commission. Additionally, you'll be disposing of messiness you needn't bother with. By paying a commission, you "secure" the pool's computational force (or if nothing else a bit of it) to handle your exchange quicker. You will most likely be unable to pay the commission. For this situation, you may need to stand by a few days to deal with your exchange. On the off chance that you are not in a rush, this might be the best chance to bring in a cash exchange with zero expense. 

Utilizing bitcoin

Obviously, there are likewise inconveniences to utilizing bitcoins, for example, the chance of losing them. In the event that somebody takes your bitcoins, or in the event that you erase your wallet records, it's difficult to recuperate them. Except if the bitcoin is managed, there is no focal life for interceding between various parts. All in all, you can't say anything negative in the event that you lose or you're burglarized of your bitcoins in light of the fact that there's nobody to whine.

ITDI pursues backend innovation, inaugurates MMIC

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The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) will be inaugurating the country’s first innovation hub on February 18, 2021.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, together with Undersecretary for R&D Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, and ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, will be opening to the public the Modular Multi-Industry Innovation Center (MMIC) or "InnoHub sa Pinas" located at the CED and MMIC Building at the DOST Complex in Taguig City.

The MMIC is one of several projects supported by the Science Department, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). 

With MMIC, the Philippines is joining the ranks of Canada, Malaysia, and Mexico in setting up an Innovation Hub for advanced scale up of researches on food and nutraceutical products.

The aim is to give back to Filipinos the experience and way of work and life that is made more functional, efficient, and cost-effective because of science. 

MMIC or "InnoHub sa Pinas" is the Department’s platform to innovate and meet growing industry demands. It is ITDI’s core R&D facility, which uses manufacturing by-products as raw materials, otherwise known as "backend innovation." It is equipped with modular equipment that are multi-functional. ITDI can retrofit these machines for use by different manufacturing lines, using both manual and automated processing.

These facilities, complete with handling support equipment, can be used by the local industry sectors as a venue for developing new products, product equivalents, product variances, and product reintroductions, as well as, pilot capacity production.’

And so while the country is slightly hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, ITDI continues to pursue ways to boost industry competitivenesseven at the backend.

149th death anniversary of martyred priests GomBurZa

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The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), City Government of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee led the commemorative rites for the 149th death anniversary of martyred priests Frs. Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes and Jacinto Zamora on 17 February 2021.


The commemorative program started at 6:00 a.m. with the blessing of the tomb of the martyred priests at St. Pancratius Chapel, Paco Park Cemetery, Manila to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Joel Rescober, C.M. with selected NHCP officials.



Simple commemorative rites followed at the GOMBURZA execution site, Rizal Park, Manila at 7:00 a.m. The National Anthem was administered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Ceremonies were led by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso together with NHCP Chairman Dr. Rene R. Escalante, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Cecille L. Romero, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Al Ryan S. Alejandre, Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, and DepED-Manila, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Magdalena Lim.



They were joined by the principals of Mariano Gomez Elementary School, Jose Burgos Elementary School and Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Manila, selected officials from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, Knights of Columbus – GOMBURZA Assemblies, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.



Unveiling of a declaration marker and launching of the GOMBURZA@150 logo immediately followed at the GOMBURZA monument, Burgos St., Ermita Manila at 8:00 a.m. headed by Manila Mayor Domagoso, NHCP Chairman Escalante, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, National Museum Chairman of the Board Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, NM Director General Jeremy Barns, NHCP Executive Director Restituto L. Aguilar, and Ms. Pearl Saprid, daughter of Mr. Solomon
Saprid, sculptor of the GOMBURZA monument.



NM Director-General Barns delivered his welcome remarks. NHCP Chairman Escalante gave his message in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of GOMBURZA and presented the certificate of the GOMBURZA marker to Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who gave her acceptance speech. Manila Mayor Domagoso delivered the message.



The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publication, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and museums.

Denice Zamboanga All Praises for 16-Year-Old Victoria Lee Ahead of ONE Championship Debut

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Teenage fighting sensation Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee is all set to make her first appearance inside the Circle, and #1-ranked atomweight Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is looking forward to her highly-anticipated debut.

Lee, the younger sibling of ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee and ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian Lee, will face off with Thailand’s Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Friday, 26 February.

Zamboanga believes the youngest Lee fighter yet has a bright future ahead of her and is all praises for the rising star.

“I think Victoria, coming from a renowned fighting family, is destined to become a world champion like her older brother and sister. She’s got a good camp, and her future looks bright,” said Zamboanga.

“This fight against Sunisa is going to be a good match. Victoria is so young and talented, while Sunisa has some experience.”

ONE Championship announced Lee signed with the promotion late last year, joining her older siblings in the Home of Martial Arts. Despite being just 16 years of age, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was buzzing with excitement at the teenage star’s potential.

Sityodtong iterated that Lee’s age had no correlation with her ability to fight. It’s a sentiment that Zamboanga seems to share with ONE’s head honcho.

“I really admire Victoria because at such a young age, she’s already fighting in professional mixed martial arts in the best organization in the world. When I was 16, I hadn’t even started martial arts yet. She’s got a fantastic running start, and I have no doubt she will go far,” said Zamboanga.

“When it comes to mixed martial arts and fighting, I don’t think age matters. It’s all about skill and capability, strength, technique. With her support system and resources available to her, she’s going to be a strong contender. I believe she can smash all of her opponents, even if they are older than her.”

In the main event of ONE: FISTS OF FURY, reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi defends his world title against multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.


Also seeing action on the card is kickboxing legend Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan, and reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.

DOTr, MIAA inaugurate upgraded NAIA airside facilities; Increase in maximum allowable commercial flight movement in country’s premier gateway seen

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Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea led the inauguration this morning, 16 February 2021, of the upgraded airside facilities of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which aims to increase the maximum allowable commercial aircraft movement in the country’s primary gateway.

The completed repair and cement overlay of NAIA’s Runway 13/31 and the construction of an additional holding area (H5) at Runway 13 (153 meters long by 22 meters wide) will boost the gateway’s maximum allowable commercial flight movement capacity from 40 to 50 flight movements per hour, or a total of 240 commercial flight movements per day.

Transport Secretary Tugade said the upgraded NAIA airside facilities show that MIAA can pursue development projects at the gateway on its own.

“Today I am very, very happy and full of gratitude. Alam n'yo, may usapan 'ho na kung walang unsolicited proposal, walang proyekto. Hindi 'ho totoo 'yun, 'pagkat, bago dumating ang pandemya, bago nagkaroon ng diskusyon sa unsolicited proposal, sa leadership ni Ed Monreal, sige-sigeng ginagawa na niya ang mga improvements dito sa MIAA, sa Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4. Nagpapakita lang na walang hinto, pandemic or not, walang hinto ang pagbabago dito sa NAIA,” he said.

When President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Secretary Tugade assumed office, MIAA’s airside facilities including its runways, taxiways, aircraft holding areas/points and aprons constantly suffered from potholes and surface depressions which caused longer aircraft ground time prior to landing and/or take off, and limited number of aircraft movements per hour which caused flight delays and congestion.

In his keynote speech, ES Medialdea said the NAIA facilities upgrade is a testament that the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration continues to be in full-swing even during the pandemic.

“As air traffic slowed to an unprecedented level due to the pandemic, this presented us with the opportunity to address the congestion problem. It allowed us to work more freely with the upgrading and rehabilitation of our airports. Thanks to the Department of Transportation and the insightful leadership of Secretary Tugade, they took advantage of the pandemic for the benefit of the people. We thank the DOTr for its perseverance, particularly in the repair and upgrading Runway 13/31,” ES Medialdea said.

The Executive Secretary further commented that the completion of the upgraded NAIA runway could not have been more timely, as the country looks forward to the deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines from abroad.

“This completed project will be beneficial in facilitating air traffic at NAIA, especially needed now, as we prepare for the continuous arrival of vaccines for the people. On behalf of President Duterte, I congratulate the DOTr for a job well done. Ipagpatuloy natin ang ating mabuting trabaho para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

To recall, Secretary Tugade earlier directed the NAIA management to continue improving NAIA while waiting for the private sector unsolicited proposals. Heeding the call of the Transport Chief, MIAA, under the leadership of General Manager Ed Monreal, pushed through with its plans for airside improvements.

“The aviation industry was not spared from the pandemic’s dire effects. However, it also opened an opportunity for us in the MIAA, to redirect our efforts to prepare for the post-COVID travel scenario. Even as there are talks of proposals from the private sector, the MIAA continued the rehabilitation of NAIA facilities as guided by our good Secretary, Secretary Tugade. These projects were carried out to bring alive our vision of uplifting the lives of our fellow countrymen through the services we can offer for aviation,” said MIAA General Manager Monreal.

The MIAA is confident that when additional airside related projects are completed within the years 2021 and 2022, it can, on its own, achieve the goal of 60 commercial flight movements per hour as contained in the unsolicited proposal. This is a more practical approach, rather than awaiting and being dependent on the unsolicited proposal’s approval.

On his part, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana lauded the completion of the latest upgrade works at the NAIA, stressing the important role airports play in the country’s national defense.

“Alam po ninyo, ang infrastructure--airports, seaports, roads--are important to defense. Our experience here in NAIA is that, whenever we go to the provinces at night, before the pandemic, sometimes we wait for 30 to 45 minutes to land. Because of this new runway, mapapabilis ang pag-takeoff and landing,” he said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also lauded the DOTr and Secretary Tugade for the completion of the latest infrastructure upgrades at the NAIA as she noted that these will prevent unwanted flight delays as the country reopens more tourism areas.

“At least, kapag magrecover na ang tourism, hindi na delayed ang mga flights. So thank you very much, Sec Art Tugade. Rest assured that the DOT (Department of Tourism) will be always here to support you. You are the best seatmate ever, best co-worker,” said Secretary Romulo-Puyat.

The concrete overlay used in the improvement of Runway 13 is expected to last between 15 to 20 years and is less prone to potholes, soft spots and rutting. A concrete surface also requires less maintenance and repair which would mean less traffic delays and flight disruptions in NAIA.

Better runway and taxiway surface that is free from potholes and surface depression will translate to faster aircraft movement and ground efficiency. Meanwhile the newly constructed aircraft holding point/taxiway (Hotel 5, 153 meter x 22 meter) will also increase the aircraft movement area.

FDCP Reveals Honorees, Special Awardees & Performers of 5th Film Ambassadors’ Night

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has named the 60 honorees and special awardees for this year’s 5th Film Ambassadors’ Night (FAN) as well as the performers for the online event that will take place on February 28.

 

The FAN, an annual event spearheaded by the FDCP since 2017, recognizes Filipino film industry creatives, artists, filmmakers, and films of various formats that gained recognitions from established international film festivals and award-giving bodies in the past year.

 

Leading the FAN 2021 honorees are the A-Listers, filmmakers Rafael Manuel and Lav Diaz. A-Listers pertain to those who bagged awards in prestigious A-List international film festivals as declared by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).

 

Rafael Manuel was awarded the Berlinale Shorts Silver Bear Jury Prize for “Filipiñana” at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany while Lav Diaz won the Orizzonti Award for Best Director for “Lahi, Hayop (Genus Pan)” at the 77th Venice International Film Festival in Italy.

The Feature Films category has six honorees: “Sunshine Family” by Kim Tai-Sik, “Write About Love” by Crisanto Aquino, “Latay (Battered Husband)” by Ralston Jover, “Pan de Salawal” by Che Espiritu, “Lingua Franca” by Isabel Sandoval, and “John Denver Trending” by Arden Rod Condez. The honorees in the Directors category are Maria Diane Ventura for “Dein Fabre,” Mallorie Ortega for “The Girl Who Left Home,” and Derick Cabrido for “Clarita.”

The Actors category will award Cristine Reyes for “UnTrue,” Ruby Ruiz for “Iska,” Elijah Canlas for “Kalel, 15,” Louise Abuel for “Edward,” Isabel Sandoval for “Lingua Franca,” Alden Richards for “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” Lovi Poe and Allen Dizon for “Latay,” and the cast of “Kaputol” led by Cherie Gil, Alfred Vargas, Angel Aquino, and Ronwaldo Martin. Dingdong Dantes and Arjo Atayde are the television awardees who made it to the FAN 2021 Actors list.

“Philippine Cinema continues to thrive amid the pandemic because Filipino filmmakers and artists did not allow the global health crisis to derail them from sharing our stories to the world. Through the Film Ambassadors’ Night, we celebrate their efforts and laud their achievements,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The FAN has other categories such as Short Films, Documentaries, Creative Awards, and Special Citation. The two Special Citation recipients are veteran television and film director Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio and the late filmmaker and International Film Festival Manhattan co-founder Gerry Balasta.

Cinemadvocates, Gabay ng Industriya & Camera Obscura

The FAN will bestow special awards to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of film industry stakeholders who continuously work for the betterment of Philippine Cinema.

Cinemadvocates is a special segment of this year’s FAN to laud individuals and groups that tirelessly champion the welfare of film workers and the development of the industry. Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, Lockdown Cinema Club, Inter-Guild Alliance, Dingdong Dantes, and Angel Locsin are the FAN 2021 Cinemadvocates.

The Gabay ng Industriya Award is a new citation to honor those who serve as Philippine Cinema’s guiding light and inspiration. The industry is grateful and honored to have witnessed their admirable artistry, incredible work ethic, and encompassing love for film. Cinematography icon Romy Vitug is the Haligi ng Industriya Award recipient and legendary actress Gloria Romero is the Ilaw ng Industriya Award recipient.

The Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award is the highest citation awarded by the FDCP to trailblazers and legends in the industry. This year’s Camera Obscura awardees are Jun Juban of Philippine Film Studios, Inc., multi-awarded documentary “Aswang” by Alyx Arumpac, and former NCCA Commissioner Teddy Co.

 

Juban’s Philippine Film Studios, Inc. has been a critical figure in the country’s film and audiovisual industry, having produced and co-produced numerous films and audiovisual content, the most notable of which are Academy Award winners “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Platoon” by Oliver Stone, “The Bourne Legacy” by Tony Gilroy, Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture “10,000 Hours” by Bb. Joyce Bernal, and several editions of reality television programs “The Amazing Race” and “Survivor.”

Arumpac’s “Aswang” was an A-Lister in FAN 2020 after taking home the Fipresci Prize in the 2019 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The full-length documentary went on to win eight international awards in 2020, including Best International Feature-Length Documentary at Festival Film Dokumenter in Indonesia, Grand Prize-Best International Feature at the RIDM Montreal International Documentary Festival in Canada, Amnesty International Human Rights Award at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece, and White Goose Award (Grand Prize) at the DMZ International Documentary Festival in South Korea.

Teddy Co, a former NCCA Commissioner of the Arts and Head of National Committee on Cinema, is a director, curator, and archivist, who significantly helped in the repatriation and restoration of lost films by Manuel Conde, Gerardo de Leon, and Nonoy Marcelo, among others. He co-founded Cinema Rehiyon, which he continues to curate, and is a selection committee member for Cinemalaya, Cinema One Originals, and QCinema International Film Festival.

 

The first virtual FAN

 

For its 5th edition, the FAN will be held in support of the NCCA’s National Arts Month. It is going to be streamed online for free on February 28, Sunday, at 8 p.m. exclusively on the FDCP Channel. Those who want to watch the FAN 2021 may sign up for free at fdcpchannel.ph.

 

The FAN is supported by the CCP through the participation of its resident symphony orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). The PPO will perform in various production numbers alongside the country’s premiere performers such as Bamboo, Tres Marias (Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, and Lolita Carbon), Bituin Escalante, Beverly Salviejo, Karla Gutierrez, Lawrence Jatayna, and The Pogi Boys. A special number featuring Ice Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Princess Velasco, Sitti, Richard Poon, Kean Cipriano, and Duncan Ramos will also take place.

 

For updates on FAN 2021, follow the national film agency on social media:

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FDCP.ph

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FDCPH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fdcpofficial

 

THE 5TH FILM AMBASSADORS' NIGHT HONOREES & SPECIAL AWARDEES:

 

SHORT FILMS

 

L.O.L. by Mark Justine Aguillon

 

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD

11th Macau International Short Film Festival

China

 

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

SULYAP (THE GLANCE) by Geraldo Jumawan, Sherwin Compendio

 

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

GARBO (PRIDE) by Alan Filoteo

 

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

BLUE ROOM FEELINGS by Ruka Azuma

 

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

FISH HEAD by Marcos Durian

 

JURY AWARD BEST SHORT FILM

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

VIRAL KIDS by Arjanmar Rebeta

 

SILVER AWARD (ASIAN NEW FORCE CATEGORY)

25th Incubator for Film & Visual Media in Asia Awards

Hong Kong

 

TARANG (LIFE’S PEDAL) by Arvin Belarmino

 

BERLIN-BRANDENBURG SHORT AWARD - BEST FILM

36th International Short Film Festival Berlin (Interfilm Berlin)

Germany

 

SHORT FILM ACTORS

 

TERI ONOR

 

Best Actor (Short Film) for “Biyaheng Madilim (A Night's Journey)”

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

MADISON ROJAS

 

Jury Award Best Performance Actor for “Fish Head”

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

 GERALDO B. JUMAWAN

 

Best Actor for “Nagbuwa Nga Gugma (Unfaithful Love)”

Lake City International Film Festival (LCIFF)

New Delhi, India     

 

SHORT FILM DIRECTORS

 

 JOEY PARAS

 

Best Director for “Igib”

2020 FilMay International Short Film Festival

Kumanovo, Macedonia

 

 LUISITO LAGDAMEO IGNACIO

 

Best Director for “Biyaheng Madilim (A Night's Journey)”

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

 

DOCUMENTARIES

 

TV DOCUMENTARY

 

ALAB (ABLAZE) - ABS-CBN Corporation

 

BRONZE AWARD - DOCUMENTARY HEROES

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

United States

 

BRIGADA (THE BRIGADE): AETA SQUADRON/FEMALE SPIES - GMA News TV (GMA Network, Inc.)

 

BRONZE AWARD - DOCUMENTARY HISTORY & SOCIETY

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

United States

 

TAO PO (IS ANYBODY HOME?) - ABS-CBN Corporation

 

BRONZE AWARD - DOCUMENTARY HUMAN CONCERNS

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

United States

 

LOCAL LEGENDS: ENVIRONMENTAL ARTIST - ABS-CBN News Channel, ABS-CBN Corporation

 

SILVER AWARD - DOCUMENTARY HEROES CATEGORY

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

United States

 

THE ATOM ARAULLO SPECIALS: BABIES4SALE.PH - GMA Network, Inc.

 

SILVER AWARD - NEWS: PROGRAM BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

United States

 

DOCUMENTARY FILMS

 

Short Documentary

 

ANG PAGPAKALMA SA UNOS (TO CALM THE PIG INSIDE) by Joanna Vasquez Arong

 

DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM AWARD

40th Hawaii International Film Festival

United States

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT HONOR

2020 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

United States

 

BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY AWARD

15th Shorts Mexico Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes de Mexico

            Mexico

 

Full-Length Documentary

 

IN PAGLAYAG A SULU STORY by Rhadem Morados

 

JURY AWARD BEST DOCUMENTARY

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

A THOUSAND CUTS by Ramona Diaz

 

GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD - DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

36th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

United States

 

 

CREATIVE AWARDS

 

1LT BALARAM TAMAYO

 

BEST SCREENPLAY for “Kagitingan: A True Story of Valor”

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

VINCENT SOBERANO

 

            BEST SCREENPLAY for “Circle of Bones”

            HorrorHaus Film Festival

            United States

 

CHE ESPIRITU

 

BEST SCREENPLAY for “Pan de Salawal”

Calella Film Festival

Spain

 

BENJAMIN TOLENTINO

 

BEST EDITING for “Kalel, 15”

59th Asia-Pacific Film Festival

Macau

 

VALERIE CASTILLO MARTINEZ

 

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - SCREENWRITING International Narrative Feature for “Death of Nintendo”

36th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

United States

 

 

ACTORS

 

DINGDONG DANTES

 

ASIAN STAR PRIZE for “Descendants of the Sun” (GMA Network, Inc.)

Seoul International Drama Awards

South Korea

 

ARJO ATAYDE

 

BEST ACTOR for “Bagman” (ABS-CBN/IWant Series)

3rd Asian Academy Creative Awards

Singapore

 

CHERIE GIL, ALFRED VARGAS, ANGEL AQUINO, RONWALDO MARTIN

 

BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD for “Kaputol”

4th Innuendo International Film Festival

Milan, Italy

 

LOVI POE

 

Best Actress Feature Film for “Latay (Battered Husband)”

            International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

ALLEN DIZON

 

Best Actor Feature Film for “Latay (Battered Husband)”

International Film Festival Manhattan

United States

 

ALDEN RICHARDS

 

ASIAN STAR PRIZE for “Hello, Love, Goodbye”

Seoul International Drama Awards

South Korea

 

ELIJAH CANLAS

 

BEST ACTOR for “Kalel, 15”

17th Asian Film Festival

Rome, Italy

 

LOUISE ABUEL

 

BEST ACTOR for “Edward”

18th Dhaka International Film Festival

Bangladesh

 

ISABEL SANDOVAL

 

BEST ACTRESS for “Lingua Franca”

18th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival

Russia

 

 RUBY RUIZ

 

BEST ACTRESS for “Iska”