Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Swim Wear and Resorts Wear Competition Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here to take on the part two of Ms. Philippines Earth 2017 is none other than Wazzup Pilipinas’ Sarah Muyco, getting the latest happenings last July 6, 2017, which was held in Versailles Palace, Alabang.

Wazzup Pilipinas had the first look on the gorgeous ladies during the dashing Swimsuit and Resorts Wear Competition. The night shone not only of beauty, but the game was played with brains as well, as the representatives made their insights known to public as to how to educate---the youth, in particular---and to inspire the hearts of many in our world in order to the tackle the deteriorating parts of our planet, as well as to preserve the mass beauty that is still among the Earth.

The additional challenge to the contestants were to represent the unfamiliar five R’s into the world. Rather than the typical; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Ms. Earth would like to deliver the message of the five R’s (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect) through these dedicated women.

As to end the first half of the night, the winners of the Swimsuit Competition were announced to Ms. Olongapo City (Kim De Guzman) taking home the Bronze award, Ms. Puerto Princessa (Sandrine Stoelzed) for Silver, and bringing home the champion title was Ms. Cagayan De Oro (Sherlyn Doloriel).

The second half of the night was then devoted to the Resorts Wear Competition, wherein their advocacies were being presented while wearing their fabulous resorts wear. One of the ingenious fashion designers, Angela Taloza, appeared in the event, supporting the ambassadors wearing exclusive Angela Taloza designed pieces; namely, Ms. Taguig, Ms. San Miguel, Bulacan and last but not the least, Ms. Dasmarinas City.

The whooping audience impact on the stunning ladies gave quite a hint as to who would take home the Champion title in the Resorts Wear Competition. Going on third is Ms. Mandaluyong City (Shane Tormes), the Silver award was grabbed by none other than Ms. Pulilan, Bulacan (Samantha Acosta), and finally, the star of the night, the grand winner in the Resorts Wear competition is Ms. Caloocan City (Jessica Marasigan).

Miss Caloocan was asked how she could represent her city by injecting the five R’s. Jessica says to an exclusive post pageant interview with Wazzup Pilipinas; “I just want to represent Caloocan that we can make a difference with the five R’s. I do want to inform and educate them with the five R’s. We can help change the world, we can also make a difference into helping the environment as well.”

2017 Miss Philippines Earth Swim Wear Competition winners:
GOLD: Miss Cagayan De Oro City, Sherlyn Doloriel
SILVER: Miss Puerto Princesa City, Sandrine Stoelzed
BRONZE: Miss Olongapo City, Kim De Guzman

2017 Miss Philippines Earth Resorts Wear Competition winners:
GOLD: Miss Caloocan City Jessica Marasigan
SILVER: Miss Pulilan, Bulacan Samantha Acosta
BRONZE: Miss Mandaluyong City Shane Tormes

Cover Photo:
Sarah Muyco with 2017 Miss Philippines Earth Resorts Wear Competition winners

Written By Sarah Muyco (Millennial Momshie) and Breanna Muyco

Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 Media Launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is composed of 7,600+ islands and surrounded by several bodies of water, so it is but natural that we should have ambassadors that would help preserve and protect the marine biodiversity. Since the beauty of these waters are not only found above the oceans but also deep within and below the depths, we should also take a closer look into even the creatures and other living things where man could not easily see.

Our country is rich in marine life of all forms that it is being visited by many underwater photojournalists so they could capture rarely found creatures of which many could only be found in the Philippines. These makes our country a frequently visited place for divers who also take photos and videos deep down below.

I once escorted a few professional divers who are also photojournalists by profession and is amazed of what they were able to capture with their cameras after diving in the seas of Bohol. If only there was an opportunity to learn while they were here in the country, I could have grabbed it. Unfortunately, their stay is but limited to only a few days so they were here to maximize their diving opportunity.

I could imagine how many living creatures exists down below based on their photographs and stories. It is but wondrous to learn that not all are able to witness such a beauty down below. Most of us could only see these creatures in photos and videos from documentaries. They are lucky to be able to get up close and personal with these rarely seen creatures.

After that experience, it is but fitting that we should also have passionate advocates geared toward saving the oceans and its marine life, not only for our lifetime, but also for future generations.

Thus, the Miss Scuba Philippines beauty pageant or search not only looks for beauty, talent and intellect but also the heart and determination to protect and preserve marine biodiversity.

We are in luck because, Cindy Madduma, the very first Filipino to win Miss Scuba International back in 2015 is now the National Director for the Philippine search.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Giving, in its sincerest form, not only brightens up the lives of people (from a simple smile to the loudest laughter), especially the needy, but also our own hearts knowing we, in our own little way, are able to remember and give hope especially when most needed.

It is touching and heartwarming to reach out and give."

Those words were what I conceived when asked why giving was important. This question was raised during the media event for Gava - an online donor community, that's likely to be a big hit for those who wish to extend their generosity towards an advocacy or outreach that they could easily initiate suing the platform that Gava offers.

Gava aims to help out the needy in many kinds, shapes and forms, whether it's for a community located at far-flung areas unreachable by vehicles, or just for your neighbor who's having problems in financing his much required medical operation to prolong his life.

The organization is composed of passionate and highly technical professionals exposed in various charity foundations, marketplace and donation processing systems, and is led by Anna Cuisia Lindayag, the CEO and founder.

In August 2016, Gava was piloted as a crowdfunding platform that puts fun and purpose into the act of giving.

With the hashtag #GavaGives, Gava aims to be a lifestyle, most probably to also get the attention of Millennials who has embraced the digital age as their lifestyle.

Gava Marketing Staff Ria Rabajante hosted the media event, and facilitated the interview with some Gava campaign makers, like Kythe Foundation's Ivy Sausto and Noel Soriano, who both provided some testimonies on how they used Gava for their campaigns.

Gava ambassadors include Interior Designer Carla Peña, GMA Actress Marlann Flores, and Bb. Pilipinas - International 2014 Bianca Guidotti.

PAGCOR Assistant Vice-President Jimmy Bondoc is also a Celebrity Ambassador but had to go ealier before the main program started.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the wide acceptance of social media and other online platforms like blogs and online sites, as the new medium for communication, whether sending or receiving news, information or even word-of-mouth recommendations, reviews, feedback and even gossip, the world has definitely changed.

Back then when jobseekers, buyers and sellers, used to search through several newspapers and magazines, or watch TV and listen to the radio, people nowadays rely heavily on online content to feed their minds and influence their choices and decisions.

This goes the same for real estate seekers who would like to buy their first property a a home or business establishment, or add to their collection of business ventures as investment.

Online sites like Lamudi has undoubtedly revolutionize the way we do things. ..and now that online has reached a momentous and epic achievement when it comes to paving the way towards convenient dissemination of information, many have embraced the fact that online is the NOW and the FUTURE.

Lamudi has probably made it possible for properties and real estate to be sold at more affordable rates, thus the online real estate platform has continued to hold Affordable Housing Fair where various kinds of properties are showcased for the benefit of buyers interested to find affordable housing and/or lot opportunities.

At a press conference held on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Conti's Bakeshop, Greenbelt 2., Lamudi Philippines formally announced to members of the media their Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair for 2017.

Miss Tourism Philippines 2017 Reveals Special Awards at Swimsuit Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wearing the red, yellow and white-colored swimwear creations of Rikki Molina, Filipino fashion designer, Ichthus Beach Resort of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, got a lot hotter even during the night time as lovely ladies came up on stage to further give the audience another beautiful sight to behold aside from the earlier sunset at the said beach.

All of the 29 hopeful candidates looked strikingly appealing in their swimwear, and their pretty faces even got highlighted by the fabulous hair and make-up done by Maquillage Professionnel (MP) School of Make Up Artistry.

The candidates are all vying for the top spot of Miss Tourism Philippines 2017 beauty queen title-holder, but we are proud to say that all of them are well-deserving to be part of the selected candidates, for each one has their unique and special attributes that make them all worthy of the crown.

Since the organizers would prefer to announce the winner of the Swimsuit competition at the grand coronation night, they awarded special awards instead after the said competition.

The Miss Tourism Philippines 2017 Special Awards went to:

Miss Ichthus - Noveleta, Cavite
Miss Body Beautiful - Manila
Miss Catwalk - Palawan
Miss Eye of the Night - Filipino Community of Southern Australia

Miss Ichthus went to Jyn Almario,Miss Noveleta, Cavite; Miss Body Beautiful was awarded to Justiene Ortega, Miss Manila; the Miss Catwalk award went to Sharla Santillan, Miss Palawan; and the Miss Eye of the Night was conferred to Filipino Community of Melbourne, Australia, Marian Angelu Perez Alcantara.

One Championship Announces One: Quest for Greatness for Kuala Lumpur on August 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has just announced another blockbuster evening of authentic martial arts action. ONE: QUEST FOR GREATNESS is set to return to the iconic Stadium Negara on 18 August for another spectacular showcase of Asia’s top martial arts talent. In the main event, undefeated ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat “Cobra” Gafurov of Russia puts his world title on the line against top contender Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Australia.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “It is always an exciting time in Kuala Lumpur whenever our world-class athletes climb atop Asia’s biggest and grandest martial arts stage. Our warriors are eager to put on a show for fans in Kuala Lumpur, and it is our honor to have them perform in this marvelous city. Marat Gafurov and Martin Nguyen are two of the promotion’s finest featherweights. They have met before, with Gafurov taking victory via submission in their first encounter. This time, however, a better-prepared and refocused Nguyen vows to finally bring the title back to Sydney.”

Marat “Cobra” Gafurov of Dagestan, Russia, is the reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion. An undefeated martial artist with 15 wins and no losses, Gafurov is a high-level grappler with 11 of his wins coming by impressive submission over top-caliber opponents. Rarely challenged and always dominant, Gafurov captured the featherweight title in 2015 with a gutsy victory over former champion Narantungalag Jadambaa in an epic battle. In his last bout, Gafurov defeated Jadambaa once again in a rematch a year later to cement his claim as the undisputed ONE Featherweight World Champion. He will defend his title next against Australia’s Martin Nguyen.

28-yea old Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia, is a former featherweight title challenger with a 8-1 professional record. His only loss came at the hands of reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov, when he stepped up to accept their first showdown on just a few days’ notice. None of Nguyen’s victories have gone to a decision, giving him five solid knockout wins as well as three victories by submission. In his last bout, Nguyen defeated Japanese veteran warrior Kazunori Yokota via first-round knockout. Nguyen’s all-around skill set allows him to compete at the highest level as a professional. In a highly-anticipated rematch, Nguyen once again receives a shot at the ONE Featherweight World Championship when he takes on Marat Gafurov for the second time.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed today (10 July) a circular to guide electric cooperatives on a unified mechanism concerning relocation of their power facilities affected by government construction.

The DOE-DPWH Joint Circular prescribes uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and/or recovery of cost in the event of the need to relocate the distribution/subtransmission lines of electric cooperatives.

At the signing of the Joint Circular along with DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, representing DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said: “We have to address situations where the facilities of electric cooperatives need to be relocated due to government projects, such as road-widening, bridge construction, among others, and provide a unified mechanism for reasonable compensation to them for every affected facility.”

“This joint initiative is in cognizance of the need to provide continuous, adequate and reliable electricity services to consumers while government projects are underway," Cusi pointed out.

Based on the Circular, the government agency implementing a public works project shall coordinate during with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Electric Cooperatives to address all right-of-way concerns related to the affected facility, including claims for compensation and determination of relocation sites.

It also provides an appropriate formula in the determination of proper compensation to the electric cooperative for the cost of the removal of affected facility.

“With this Joint Circular, we will be able to accelerate and expand access to electricity services by our people,” the Energy Chief concluded.

Cover Photo Caption: DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi and DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, representing DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, signed this morning, 10 July 2017, in the DOE Conference Room the DOE-DPWH Joint Circular on the payments and compensation to electric cooperatives whose facilities are affected by government projects.

E-Power Mo! To Bring DOE Closer to Consumers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Recognizing the public’s vital role in the energy chain, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will launch the “E-Power Mo!” on 12 July 2017 Wednesday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that there is a "need to send across the message of the energy sector to the entire energy chain, from the industry players down to the general public.”

The conference for energy consumers and stakeholders, “E-Power Mo!” aims to provide essential information on the fast-evolving developments in the energy sector, proper energy utilization and energy resiliency.

E-Power Mo will also launch President Rodrigo Duterte’s energy roadmap and policies designed to empower the consumers specifically to:

1. Develop and utilize the energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition (E-POWER MO!);
2. Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency (E-SAFETY MO!);
3. Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services (E-SECURE MO!); and,
4. Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. (E-DISKARTE MO!).

The DOE will aggressively implement this strategic energy information, education and communication campaign so that ordinary Filipinos would be encouraged to use energy responsibly and would be partners in advancing the country's economic growth.

Lenovo Recruits Gamers and Fans to be Part of a New and Exclusive Gaming Community: Gamers Legion

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Join the Legion!

Lenovo, the world’s leading PC manufacturer, today launched a call for all fans in the Philippines to join Gamers Legion, a new, exclusive and one-of-a-kind community in Asia aimed at taking the modern PC gaming experience to the next level.

As a member of Gamers Legion, participants from the Philippines will not only play a pivotal role in Lenovo’s future product development, but will also be the first to know about Legion’s newest offers and events.

Interested fans and gamers simply need to visit the dedicated Legion microsite at http://www.legionlenovo.com/ph in order to fill out a short online questionnaire about their gaming habits, preferences and views. Lenovo will then select 30 gamers in the Philippines to join the exclusive community of 270 people across Asia that will make up Gamers Legion.

What’s more, Lenovo Philippines will also be raffling off 30 tickets to Garena’s Rampage 2017. Everyone who submitted their applications via the microsite gets a chance to win.

The Gamers Legion recruitment phase begins today and only lasts until July 20, 2017. All successful applicants will be notified on July 24 via email. All fans and gamers are also encouraged to visit the Facebook Page of Lenovo Philippines at https://www.facebook.com/lenovophilippines to follow the latest updates of the Gamers Legion.

The kick-off follows Lenovo’s highly anticipated launch of its Legion sub-brand in the Philippines early this year. Legion offers both casual and professional gamers cutting-edge products that are inspired by, and co-created with, gamers based on their needs.

In the Philippines, Lenovo marked the launch of Legion through the introduction of the Legion Y520, IdeaPad Y910, and IdeaCentre Y710 Cube, stylish, powerful and portable plug-and-play devices with DIY flexibility that offer the most immersive experiences.

“As PC gaming becomes more popular in the Philippines, our research shows that gamers are becoming increasingly discerning when it comes to expectations around performance, flexibility and immersive experiences,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager. “Lenovo is committed to working more closely with gamers to create best-in-class experiences in eSports and gaming PC. With this in mind, we are proud to have launched Gamers Legion, our one-of-a-kind community that ensures we are giving a voice and platform to our highly passionate customers, that continues our tradition of co-creating products that meet their continuously evolving needs.”

“This campaign is but one in a series of initiatives that support our ambition of being the world’s leading gaming brand, bar none.”

Pricing and Availability:

· Prices for the Lenovo Legion Y520 Notebooks start from just P49,995.
· Prices for the Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 and Y720 start from just P81,990 and P90,990, respectively.
· Lenovo Y27G curved gaming monitor retails at P29,999.

Cusi: Round the Clock Work in Place to Restore Power in Quake-hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinmas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi thanked on Saturday the men and women who are working on 24-hour shifts to bring back electricity within three to five days in the quake-affected areas in the Visayas, especially in Leyte.

Cusi today conducted an aerial and ground inspection of the various power plants, including geothermal facilities, that sustained damage from the magnitude 6.5 quake that recently hit the region.

A combination of bypass and build-back-better strategies are being implemented by the engineers, with Cusi expressing hope that power will be fully restored within seven days.

"I commend the dedicated Warays and the other personnel who are working 24/7 to fast track the delivery of safe and reliable electricity services to around 3 million consumers," said Cusi.

"The Yolanda experience taught us a lot and I have seen that we have improved on our restoration practices," he said, adding "but there is always room for improvement.”

"I am hopeful that we can see a tremendous improvement in the delivery of energy services within three to seven days."