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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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

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

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

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

Cusi: Let's Get Energy Projects Moving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Google I/O Extended Cebu 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reason Why Jeff Horn won over Manny Pacman #Pachorn

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

Paris Delice: More Than Just a French Pastry Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pacquiao:Why are you hugging me?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pull me in close. 

Bite my lip.

Groan in my nape. 

Whisper in my ear...

Aussie Jeff Horn wins the title of Miss Congeniality!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do we start questioning the judges'  decision?

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

Many would say Boxing lost all credibility with that decision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karma Works and We Have Real Life Experiences to Prove It

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you remember the lady who ranted against me for accusations she couldn't even prove with any evidence? While I posted several e-mail and SMS screenshots showing my conversations with those involved to prove my innocence, the only thing she could do was to further rant and call for other online misfits to join the bully bandwagon.

She now bids goodbye to the agency she worked for, as seen from a screenshot of her Facebook post that a PR and fellow blogger sent me. This is most probably the result of her squabble with another member of the media connected with a reputable print publication.

The lifestyle editor from Philippine Star was not afraid to expose this PR on social media which also led to the revelation of this PR's moonlighting activities that were obviously a conflict of interest to her current job. Who knows who else was a victim of her terrible PR - something she does not know the true meaning of.

During this highly emotional social media rant, none of the bloggers who allies with the PR Director posted anything on her defense. How could anyone defend her when they all know she really deserves some spanking. All we saw was a plea for both of them to reconcile. They may have sent PMs or private messages to the PhilStar editor, but that is in contrary to their usual public display of aggression. Now that a member of the media complained, none of them had the courage to speak out in public.

As they say, karma eventually hits hard those who unfairly judge or treat others without getting the other side of the story. We should all be getting our unbiased facts from even the accused. We should consider this as a learning opportunity for all of us who are too trigger-happy. We should always look out for the guy whom we're pointing a gun to. He may not deserve to have a bullet in his head.