National Day of Youth Resistance | #YouthResist alt-SONA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Resistance is staging a nationwide ‘#YouthRESIST alt-SONA’ on July 18 to counter Duterte’s ‘Fake News SONA’. Duterte and his ‘killing spree’ resulted to more than 12,000 homicide cases, including at least 7,000 deaths due to the war-on-drugs. Similar protests will be held in Cebu and General Santos.

At least 1,500 young people from Metro Manila is expected to attend the protest against the DUTERTADOR.

Photo-ops and interviews will be made available.

A 13-YEAR OLD GIRL VERSUS DUTERTE’S OLD-MAN POLITICS. Shibby de Guzman is a Grade 9 student who once faced backlash on social media for speaking out against extrajudicial killings. Shibby co-heads #YouthResist, resistance movement formed by youth groups Millennials Against Dictators [MAD], Student Council Alliance of the Philippines [SCAP], Akbayan! Youth [A!Y], and numerous campus- and community-based youth groups.

St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate (Entry @ Gate 4)
St. Cecilia’s Hall, then March to Leon Guinto St.
July 18, 2017 (Tue); 8:30-12:00NN

PROGRAM

8:30 – 8:45AM: Interfaith Prayer | Minute of Silence | Lupang Hinirang | Welcome Remarks

8:45 – 9:00AM: [Video] If You Are Poor, You Are Killed | Malaya | Speech by Shibby De Guzman: Kung Hindi Tayo, Sino?

9:00 – 9:30AM: Spoken Word | Speech by EJK Kin: Lahat Tayo Posibleng Drug Pusher

9:30 – 10:00AM: [Video]‘Biyuda’ | Speech by Sen. Risa Hontiveros: Panahon Niyo Na | Teatro Balagtas

10:00 – 10:30AM: Hindi Tayo Tatahimik – Youth Unity Statement | Community Singing and March to Leon Guinto

10:30 – 12:00NN: Cultural Picket (led by the Tres Marias – Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua)

Miss Manila Karen Ibasco is Miss Philippines Earth 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the new MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH for 2017 - Miss Manila Karen Ibasco!

The Coronation Night held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena crowned another beauty queen hailing from Malate, Manila. She will now compete for the title of Miss Earth soon.

At an interview held right on the stage of the MOA Arena, Karen revealed that she was not the reigning Miss Manila but was only sent as a representative by no less than Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada himself to represent Manila at the Miss Philippines Earth beauty pageant.

Well, we have to commend the good mayor for an excellent choice since Karen really impressed us with not only her looks but with her outstanding answer during the final and ultimate Question and Answer portion where only one question was asked of the five finalists. While others were prevented fro hearing the question, each candidate gave her answer to the question that goes something like "The government's slogan is Change is Coming, what change do you want to see in terms of Environmental Policy in the country?"

We asked Karen if she was aware that her answer clinched her win since the other finalists did not directly answer the question. Well, she said she somehow knew it because of the reaction and wild applause of the audience. 

Now, I truly believe that the judges do care about the intellect of the candidates since they picked the one with the best answer as the ultimate winner.

Singapore Airlines and Visa Unveil Exclusive Offers for Trips to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Europe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Singapore Airlines, together with Visa, invites travelers to jumpstart their adventure with its special all-inclusive Economy Class round trip fares starting from just USD190.

Singapore

Together with the Singapore Tourism Board, SIA brings an attractive all-inclusive round trip fare to Singapore from just USD190, for a minimum of two passengers travelling together. More of the Lion City is now also reachable through the Singapore Airlines Singapore Explorer Pass. With a top-up of just USD 48 per person, travelers may revel in over 20 different attractions (worth SGD 420), including Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds, Singapore Cable Car, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer and free rides on the SIA Hop on Bus.

Australia

From just USD630, an exciting Australian adventure awaits those who wish to visit Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia alliance provides more choice for domestic and international air travel to and from Australia, with attractive and seamless travel options across Australia. Passengers can smoothly plan their trip to various attractions in The Land Down Under and avail of more travel options and convenient connections. All-inclusive one way add-on rates are also available from USD 60 to USD 80, with trips from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to multiple destinations such as Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Mackay, Port Moresby, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

New Zealand

Those who wish to discover New Zealand can kick-off their trips with an attractive all-inclusive fare of just USD800. Through Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Air New Zealand, passengers can make their adventure more exciting with the all-inclusive one-way add-on rates from just USD100 to either Queenstown or Wellington. 

Europe

This offer with VISA is also extended to European destinations namely Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich from USD 890. The special deal covers options to hop on from select cities to other favorite destinations such as Brussels, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Madrid, Venice, Vienna via SIA’s airlines partners from just USD 60 to USD 120.

30kg baggage allowance, KrisWorld and KrisFlyer

The Economy Class fares come with 30kg baggage allowance, delectable inflight meals and personal KrisWorld inflight entertainment system on Singapore Airlines flights. Customers will also earn KrisFlyer miles that can be redeemed for future flights. Sign-up for free at krisflyer.com and subscribe to the e-newsletter to be among the first to receive the latest promotions of Singapore Airlines. 

Complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher & Free City Tour

Passengers travelling beyond Singapore can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher which can be used with no minimum purchase, at participating shops, restaurants and lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport. Free city tours await for transit passengers with at least 5-hour transit time.

The promotion is exclusive to Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders, valid for sale from 05 October until 31 October 2015 for travel out of Manila until 19 March 2016. For travel out of Cebu, Davao and Kalibo to Singapore and Australia, surcharges may apply. For bookings, visit Singapore Airlines or SilkAir Ticketing & Reservations offices, participating travel agents, or via singaporeair.com using promo code 328936256. 

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily which conveniently connect to onward flights to the rest of the world. For more information, visit singaporeair.com

SIA brings an attractive singapore tour package with all-inclusive round trip from just USD190.

We Found Beauty at Calle Crisologo of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We explored Calle Crisologo and other historical sights of Vigan for the nth time and they are still too awesome for our selfies and photo ops.

To match the feel of these heritage home we've edited our photos to make them look vintage, or is the right word antiquated, or historical, or whatever you may call it, walking along the streets of Calle Crisologo is like traveling on a time machine - the ride on a Calesa (not just around Calle Crisologo) is more than majestic.

The calesa ride only cost P150 per hour, but you'll definitely need more than an hour if you would really like to immense yourself thoroughly all over Vigan. We've rented a calesa to tour some sites - from the famous bell tower or belfry near the Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church (because it's located at Bantay, Ilocos Sur), to the Hidden Garden. But we're going to tell the story of each place on a per blog  post basis - meaning one attraction per blog post.

Editing the photos of Calle Crisologo to make them look old gives out the vibes of a century when the Spaniards greatly influenced us - from the architecture to the overall culture. Oh, the Filipino is a merging of many traits and influenced by many races. Though our roots may have been somewhat lost due to the many influences, I guess that's how Filipinos are greatly leading the way towards many achievements.

Cusi: Power Situation in Quake-Stricken Areas Seen to Improve by July 19

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told President Rodrigo Duterte in Ormoc City on Thursday afternoon that the supply of electricity in areas of the Visayas affected by the recent earthquake will noticeably improve by the end of the month.

Cusi relayed the latest timeline on the power restoration efforts in Region 8, Bohol and Ormoc City during a visit by the President and Cabinet members to the quake-stricken areas in this city.

The Energy chief gave the assurance that his department has been working nonstop to normalize power in the affected areas, citing reports by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

Subject to NGCP’s successful restoration of Transformer 6, “We expect a total of 309 megawatts (MW) of available capacity byJuly 19,” Sec. Cusi announced Friday (14 July).

“These capacities can serve the total demand of electricity for the affected areas of Region VIII (Samar and Leyte Provinces) and Bohol, which is at 291 MW,” Sec. Cusi said.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella had earlier called an emergency meeting attended by representatives from the NEA, Region 8 Electric Cooperatives, NGCP and EDC to provide updates and work timelines on the power restoration.

Based on the reports, there will be available capacities coming in from the EDC-run geothermal power plants: July 16 with 269 MW, July 19 additional 40 MW from its Tongonan geothermal power plant totaling to 309 MW by Wednesday next week.

All available capacities by end of July is expected to reach 322 MW.

"We will continue to explore all options available for Leyte, Samar and Bohol islands."

The DOE is also coordinating with the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure compliance of electricity service providers with the required standards and the alignment in crafting resiliency policies.

DOTr Expressed Full Support in the 3rd #MMShakeDrill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a bid to heighten employees’ awareness and preparedness in the event that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) exerted its full support and participation to the third #MMShakeDrill held earlier today, 14 July 2017.

At the sound of an alarm that signaled the start of the drill, DOTr employees, along with other tenants in the Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong, observed the duck, cover, and hold maneuver for 45 seconds before evacuating the building.

“It is very important for all of us to participate in these drills because preparedness will translate to survival when the time comes. ‘The Big One’ can strike at any time and so we must be ready,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Eymard Eje.

The DOTr has likewise organized an Incident Management Team that prepared simulation scenarios for the drill, including staged victims and rescue operations.

“Of course our prayer is that we won’t need to face such a calamity, but our employees’ safety is our main concern so we must take every precaution,” added Eje.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order including the DOTr in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Its main task is to take care of transportation systems during rescue and relief operations.

DOTr-CAB To Give Senior Citizens, PWDs 20% Discount On Online Booking for Domestic Travel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD) may soon avail a 20% discount when booking a domestic flight online.

The Department of Transportation - Civil Aeronautics Board approved yesterday, 13 July 2017, the Resolution requiring local airlines to give a 20% discount on tickets purchased via the carrier's website or a mobile application. Prior to this, the discount was only applied to face to face transactions.

Under the Resolution, senior citizens, PWDs, or their representatives must input the passenger’s details including date of birth and ID number indicated in the Senior Citizen or PWD card.

CAB directed airlines to establish in their websites the necessary system to be able to process the 20% discount based on the actual fare, including promotional fares that were directly sold by the airlines. The discount, however, shall not cover lawful taxes and other fees and charges imposed in relation to domestic air travel.

A breakdown and summary of the amount to be paid must be known to the Senior Citizen or PWD before the completion of the transaction. The document confirming the passenger’s seat reservation or booking must likewise indicate that the passenger was granted the 20% discount for proper verification at the check-in counter.

Passengers who avail of the discount must present necessary identification upon check-in.

The resolution will take effect 15 days after publication. After which, airlines will be given two months from date of effectivity to develop and fully implement a virtual system that would apply the discount on online transactions.

The discount shall not be applicable to tickets sold by virtue of indirect or external sales promotions which contain promises of gain, such as through winning in a contest, game, and other similar competitions which involve determination of winner/s.

Smart Supports Davao City, MM Quake Drills, Deploys Emergency Communications Equipment

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications will provide emergency communications support for the earthquake and tsunami drills in Davao City and Metro Manila on July 14, 2017.

The drills, which will simulate a magnitude-7.2 earthquake situation, will start at 9 a.m. in Davao City and 4 p.m. in Metro Manila.

Officials of Davao City and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will signal the start of the city- and metro-wide drills by using Smart’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS), which will send alert messages to residents in the area informing them of the activity. To date, Smart is the only telco to comply with Republic Act No. 10639, or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, via the ECBS.

Smart will also deploy Smart Satellite solutions and LTE mobile connectivity to ensure uninterrupted communications among response units. These services will complement the free calling and charging services for the use of earthquake and tsunami drill participants.

Leading the drill in Davao City are Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer and Central 911 chief Emmanuel Jaldon, and key participating units. In Metro Manila, the event will be spearheaded by the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) and managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and other agencies and stakeholders.

“I encourage all Dabawenyos to participate in the 1st Davao City earthquake and tsunami drill on Friday, July 14, because this will help us prepare ourselves in the event a tsunami or an earthquake hits Davao City,” said Mayor Duterte. “It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in our communities and our homes are aware and knowledgeable of the things that should be done in cases of emergencies. Preparation, which involves learning or acquiring emergency skills, is critical in protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities. Readiness is key to survival,” she added.

“We understand how important communication is, especially in times of calamities. Our ECBS and satellite solutions, as well as traditional fixed and wireless services, are deployed to affected areas as we recognize communications as a form of relief,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart public affairs head.

As a member of the emergency telecommunications cluster of the NDRRMC, Smart has provided communication aid during calamities, including free broadcast alerts, free texts, calls and charging, and satellite solutions to LGUs and response teams.

Smart is also a founding signatory of GSMA’s Human Connectivity Charter (HCC), which aims to empower operators to improve their disaster resilience through mobile technology.

Through its #SafePH advocacy and as part of its commitment to the HCC, Smart promotes resilience using technology and communications. The company’s disaster risk reduction initiatives have helped instill a culture of preparedness among its partners and the general public. These include emergency mobile solutions such as the Batingaw disaster preparedness app and the Agos community aid SMS platform, as well as on-ground community caravans such as the Tropang Ready educational series for the youth.

Power Mac Center Goes All-Out for ‘Cinemansanas’ 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A jam-packed second edition of Power Mac Center Pixelworx: Cinemansanas awaits film artists all over the country as the premier Apple reseller goes all-out this year. Among the highlights are Masterclass sessions with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, a digital short film competition, post production workshops, film scholarship grants, and in-store games, which all culminate in a Grand Movie Premiere at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema.

Power Mac Center tapped Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza to hold Masterclass sessions and share techniques on how to make movie concepts come to life. The sessions will be exclusive to 23 aspiring filmmakers selected for the extensive three-day acting, directing, and cinematography workshop. Application is coursed through Power Mac Center and runs until July 30, 2017.

In the bid to continue challenging artists to break convention, there will be another digital short film competition for videos shot and edited using Apple devices. Film submissions must be made specifically for the Pixelworx: Cinemansanas “Do you have a Minute Film Competition.” Entries may be about any subject but must run for no longer than 60 seconds. Deadline of submission is on August 25, 2017.

To assist in completing the film entries, Power Mac Center Apple Certified trainers will be holding Post Production workshops on Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X. Online registration is required as limited slots are available.

Filipino Standout Danny Kingad Sees Himself in a Future World Title Picture

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov and Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes are arguably two of the most outstanding flyweights in the world today, and both men will slug it out for the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Championship title in the main event of ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS in Surabaya, Indonesia on 29 July.

However, another exceptional flyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor is waiting on the wings to get his opportunity to vie for the coveted gold-plated strap.

A true warrior from the mountains of the Cordilleras and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City, Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad aims to cement his stature as one of the highly-regarded flyweights in the flourishing Asian MMA scene.

The 21-year-old Igorot warrior holds an unblemished professional record of 5-0, with one knockout victory and one submission triumph.

Kingad is a tremendous striker, who also possesses solid grappling skills. In his most recent ONE Championship outing, he met a tough test in Malaysia’s Muhammad Aiman, putting on a complete performance en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Part of the talented new breed of Team Lakay fighters, Kingad will have his fourth assignment as a much-regarded ONE Championship athlete on 29 July as he is set to take on China’s Hexigetu on the undercard of ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS, which takes place at the GOR Kertajaya Arena in Surabaya, Indonesia.

“It will be an exciting fight. I will do my best. If he wants to strike, then I will strike with him. I cannot say I will knock him out, but I can only say I will win this fight,” Kingad confidently stated.