Why Spend Christmas at the Araneta Center

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There are only just a couple of weeks before Christmas day. And while some may already be trapped in a Christmas rush or the “holidaze,” Christmas at the Araneta Center continues to make spirits bright.

Aside from being one of the top destinations for those looking to buy Christmas presents or ornaments, Araneta Center has a full lineup of exciting activities that will make sure spending the Yuletide season here will be worthwhile.

1. Alab ng Puso: Rockers’ carol
“Jingle Bell Rock” may be one of the most popular Christmas songs, but at the Araneta Center, the public can rock with the hits of some of the country’s biggest musical acts in “Alab ng Puso,” a free concert at the Times Square Food Park on Saturday, December 9 at 4 p.m.

The concert, which celebrates human rights, will feature performances from Sandwich, Noel Cabangon, Cookie Chua, Gary Granada, Aia de Leon, Tanya Markova, and spoken word artists Alfonso Manalastas and Juan Miguel Severo.

2. Impossible: Possibly the season’s best show
In a bevy of Christmas shows, is it still possible to find one that is entertaining as it is fresh and new?

Turns out, it is. Impossible, the world’s greatest magic show, comes to Araneta Center for the holidays. The show will run from Christmas day, December 25, 2017 to January 3, 2018 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ben Hart and Magical Bones, two of the magicians on the show, have earlier visited the country and thrilled Filipinos from all walks of life with their impressive tricks. Hart has earned a reputation for his unorthodox methods, while Bones has built a name as the world’s “best hip hop magician.” Joining the two are Ali Cook, Chris Cox, Josephine Lee and Bello Nock. Tickets are now available. For reservations and more information, visit TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 or 374-9999.



3. Times Square Food Park: Gifting the senses
Dubbed as one of the most “Instagrammable” sites this Yuletide season, the Times Square Food Park serves as the bigger and better location of the iconic Araneta Center giant Christmas tree and the new tunnel of lights.

It also houses stalls that sell various food items and beverages—truly a perfect bonding spot for families, friends and couples.

As an added treat, there are fireworks shows every Fridays and Saturdays of December.

4. Santa Claus (and more) is in town!
Who wants to get stuck in a mall full of restless bargain hunters? Fortunately, this is not the case at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and New Farmers Plaza.

Aside from being a top choice for those looking for gifts for their loved ones, the three malls also offer a respite to shoppers with chorale performances every day of December.

Santa Claus also roves around the three malls to spread the Holiday cheer and pose for photo-ops with Christmas shoppers whether they are naughty or nice.

5. Simbang Gabi: Tradition lives on at the Center

While some may be caught up with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush, many more make sure that they do not forget the true essence of the season.

The tradition of Simbang Gabi or Dawn Masses lives on at the Araneta Center with Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, New Farmers Plaza and Farmers Market providing the public a convenient venue for the Masses to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

Whether it is a “silent night” or a season filled with “joy to the world,” Araneta Center’s Christmas activities are a gift to the senses and the spirit.

Azkals Places Second In CTFA Invitational Tournament

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Azkals grabs second place in the recently concluded CTFA Invitational Tournament held in Taipei from December 1 to 5. In spite of an undermanned team, and three-day preparation - the quickly assembled Azkals composed of a few veterans, players from the U22 SEA Games squad and University stand out squeezed a second-place finish ahead of Timor Leste and Laos.

Most of the regular Azkals were not available because they we not released by their Clubs due to the PFL season is in its semi-finals stage. The CTFA Invitational Tournament dates are also outside of the FIFA dates so a number of call ups on foreign based Filipino players were not successful.

Asked about his reaction on Mr. Dan Palami’s description of the Azkals outing in Taipei as the Taiwan ‘debacle”, Mr. Jefferson Cheng, Team Manager says:

“If this is accurate, I am surprised with the comments of Dan (Mr. Palami). We are working for the same organisation which is the PFF, and representing one country, Our Country. I think a more encouraging and supportive stance will do more good for Philippine Football than complaining and maligning the players and coaches who did their best for their country. I think whoever makes these negative statements are being unfair. We ended up second place with 3 days preparation, the players were given the best organisation one can possibly do with the time, and logistics constraints we have plus the conflict that the CTFA Tournament have with the PFL schedule.

My role is temporary as the PFF Secretary General asked for assistance because most of the Clubs with the regular Azkals players including Mr. Palami’s Global FC are in the PFL semi-finals hence the Clubs prioritise the League instead of the National Team that is why they did not release the players. The regular Azkals Coach Thomas Dooley also had a very important previous commitment to speak in an AFC event representing the PFF.

Mr. Palami suggested certain players, we contacted them even bought them airline tickets but they did not come for some reason.

During the Tournament were some calls and red cards that did not go our way which could have changed the complexion of the games and the result of the Tournament. I am not offering any excuses as there are none needed. The Players and Coaches did their best and what is important is they were there on the field fighting. We had three days to prepare and the players coming in from a long hectic PFL schedule, a 2nd place finish is descent under the circumstances.

We should draw our attention to the positives. We may not have won the tournament but the winner here is Philippine Football. The exposure given to our younger players was the right thing to do. Just ask Miyagi from Cebu, who scored his first international goal with the Senior National Team, ask what the Cebuano football fans think about that. Or Gayoso from Ateneo who had his first cap. What about the sight of the younger players playing alongside their Idols! The senior players mentoring and leading the younger ones was a very good and encouraging thing to see. I think this is what team sports are all about. This experience of our younger players will only encourage and bring more fans, supporters and followers to our National Team and Philippine Football. Importante magtulungan tayo.”

Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta Headline Meant to Beh at MMFF

Just like every year, Octo Arts Films has a movie to offer featuring the Bossing himself. But unlike next year when they failed to get in to the festival, now they are back with a big bang as a different leading lady joins their lead comedian as headliner of the movie entitled Meant to Beh.

For the movie, bloggers were invited to a blogcon with Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta, JC Santos and Direk Chris Martinez attendibg the event. There are several celebrities included in the cast but only the three and their director.

It is not always that you get to do a video interview with Bossing Vic Sotto. I would have also interviewed Dawn but she already left when I was done with Bossing. You can watch the video on our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Meanwhile, video coverage of the blogcon, from start to finish, are currently being uploaded at our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas



As usual, Vic was cool and composed at the Meant to Beh blogcon. He always projects himself as graciously decent eventhough he cracks a joke every now and then. His antics during the introduction started some laughter and consistently was there during the Q&A with the bloggers.

Their movie is also something new for the comedian since the plot deals with some family struggles specifically the "disenchantment" between husband and wife, and the temptations that surrounds.

Opposite Dawn Zulueta, plus an additional cast of younger actors, including child star Baste, and not to forget their usual extras from Eat Bulaga Dabarkads, the movie still somehow uses tried and tested formulas of showbiz.



Below is the official press release from the blogcon:

Meant To Beh Explores True Love’s Possibilities

Does true love stand the test of time? This is explored in “Meant To Beh” the latest blockbuster film starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta.

During the holiday season, happy families and loving relationships are highlighted amongst the merrymaking of the holidays. With Meant To Beh, moviegoers are treated to this funny and poignant story about the Balatbat family, where they can pick up timely lessons about life and love along the way. Middle-aged couple Antonio (Vic) and Andrea Balatbat (Dawn) try their best to raise their three children, Christian (JC Santos), Alex (Gabbi Garcia), and Riley (Baby Baste).

The Balatbats have a perfect family setup despite the fact that the couple was only forced by their parents to get married when they were younger. These and other issues arise through the years, creating challenges and hardships that threaten the harmony within the family and eventually lead to a point where the couple, realizing that they never really loved each other, decides to separate in order to find themselves.

This decision breaks their children’s hearts and they devise way to get their parents back together again despite both finding new respective partners. It has become their mission to get their parents to fall in love.

The family movie, which Dawn describes as “heartwarming”, is said to be the first “serious” comedy by Bossing Vic Sotto. He is very proud of the Filipino values that are highlighted, aside from the production’s entertainment value that will be enjoyed by audiences young and old. “There are no grand special effects this year, unlike the Enteng Kabisote series that we have presented in the past holiday seasons. It is a simple, relatable story that takes a closer look at today’s Filipino families and the values that we cherish.”

The movie, which also stars Sue Ramirez, Ruru Madrid, Andrea Torres, and Daniel Matsunaga is directed by Chris Martinez for Octoarts Films, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment.

Meant To Beh: Ika-Something na Utos will make its premiere in Philippine cinemas on December 25, 2017 as one of the eight official entries of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Tricks to Win Online World Travel Luxury

Wazzup Pilippinas!

I've won more than a dozens of world trip. Including major world sporting events like World Cup, Lemans, MotoGP, Festival, Racing, Beerfest, Ski, Disney and several F1 world race trip-tours. Most of it are coming from easy online contest. So here's my tips to fulfill your dream of travelling around the world the fastest and easiest ways. They may say that there's a travel bucket list, but the truth is when we get to appreciate  the beauty of travelling.  

It may sound that my travel bucket list is already fulfilled. And guess what its still not. So here's what I'm still working on NBA Finals, Ryder Cup, Champions League, Superbowl, Wimbledon, Masters, Nascar, The Hobbit, Euro Luxury Cruise, Indianapolis 500, Floyd TBE Boxing Club, Las Vegas Main Boxing Events, UFC Main Event, Hanging out with World Champs, Hollywood, 007 Movie Scenes Trip, Monaco Glitz and Glamour OMG its a lot more.    

One Championship Holds One: Warriors of the World Official Face-Off in Bangkok

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently hosted the ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD Official Face-off on Wednesday, 6 December atop the 61st floor of the Vertigo Restaurant in the Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. In attendance was ONE Championship President of Thailand, Mr. Kamol ‘Sukie’ Sukosol Clapp and main event competitors Yoshitaka Naito and Alex Silva, as well as co-main event competitors Shannon Wiratchai and Rasul Yakhyaev. The rest of the athletes also faced off.

Visit the official ONE : WARRIORS OF THE WORLD OFFICIAL Face-off photo gallery by clicking here

The press conference was held in lieu of all the action which takes place Saturday, 9 December at the Impact Arena, as the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent take the ONE Championship cage to showcase their skills in front of a global audience at ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD.

Kamol ‘Sukie’ Sukosol Clapp, ONE Championship President of Thailand, stated: “ONE Championship is back in Bangkok for another evening of world-class martial arts. This is an exciting one for fans, as ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD is set to feature some of the best and most talented Thai martial arts superstars on the biggest stage of global competition. Fans will not want to miss all the action that goes down at the Impact Arena on Saturday night. Get ready as we have an amazing card prepared for you all!”

Yoshitaka Naito, ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “Hayato [Suzuki] is known as one of the best wrestlers in Japan, so I was shocked to see him lose against a jiu-jitsu champion. Alex Silva’s grappling is extremely good. Silva’s strength is of course his ground techniques, but his striking is probably not a big threat. Silva has never gone five rounds, so if it goes the distance, it will be my time. I am confident in my abilities and that I will successfully defend my belt.”

Alex Silva, ONE Title Challenger, stated: “It is most important that before you are even a champion, that you have a good personality, and a good character. You need to be humble. That is how I want to inspire people. That is very important to me. I think that is what has brought me to where I am today — being humble and having a good character, whether you are a champion or not. I am grateful for the opportunity to challenge for the title, and will do my best to take home the win on Saturday night.”
Shannon Wiratchai, ONE Athlete, stated: “Competing in front of my hometown fans is always a great pleasure, and huge pressure at the same time. Life is all about changing. In every change there is always an opportunity. Rasul is dangerous everywhere. But I think I can handle him on the feet. Chechen wrestlers are always some of the best in the world, but I have wrestled with many high-level wrestlers. 2017 is a year that I have been working very hard. I hope I win this match, and 2018 will be another year that I keep working hard. Not just for myself, but for Thai martial arts.”

Rasul Yakhyaev, ONE Athlete, stated: “My defeats taught me to take more care of myself — of my health, my diet, and my training schedule. Shannon is a decent athlete with a lot of experience in the cage. I have not watched all of his matches, but I am sure I can win. I have the complete skill set to achieve victory. Shannon is going to be a tough challenge, but I wish him to have a good training camp with no injuries. When the big day comes, one of us must win and one will lose. I will be the one who wins.”

Reigning and defending ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Matsudo, Japan, is unbeaten in his professional career with a perfect 12-0 record. He owns six victories by submission and one by knockout. The 33-year-old, who made a name for himself at Japan’s world famous Korakuen Hall competing for Shooto as its Flyweight Champion, captured the ONE Strawweight World Championship by submitting Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in his promotional debut in 2016. Naito makes the second defense of his strawweight belt against Alex Silva.

Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a second-degree black belt and Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion feared for his relentless pursuit of submission finishes.

Silva is riding high on a five-bout winning streak, rapidly climbing ONE Championship’s stacked strawweight ranks. He is a technical grappling specialist with a penchant for securing highlight-reel submissions. With steadily increasing confidence, Silva’s last five victories have all ended in spectacular fashion. In his most recent contest, Silva made quick work of the highly-regarded and previously unbeaten Hayato Suzuki, earning him an opportunity for the ONE Strawweight World Championship.

Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai of Thailand is one of the most thrilling offensive innovators in ONE Championship. The creator of the OneShin Striking System, Wiratchai developed his own style which incorporates various elements from Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab, Wiratchai emerges as Thailand’s biggest and most exciting martial arts star. In his last bout, Wiratchai made quick work of Rajinder Singh Meena, stopping his foe with a knee to the abdomen in less than 30 seconds into the first round. Wiratchai seeks to continue his winning ways as he faces Rasul Yakhyaev in the co-main event of the evening.

26-year-old Rasul Yakhyaev of Grozny, Russia, is a lightweight who has racked up a solid following over his seven-year professional career. A jiu-jitsu and combat sambo practitioner, he is adept in both striking and mat techniques, and is considered a solid contender with tremendous combat skills. A well-rounded warrior, four of Yakhyaev’s victories have come by submission while three have come by knockout. After establishing a name for himself in Eastern Europe, he made his ONE Championship debut in December of 2015, and now seeks to take his career to the next level against Shannon Wiratchai.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

NEC and Hortonworks Present Big Data Solutions to Transform Future Industries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NEC hardware is fully optimized to work with Hortonworks Data Platform powered by Open Enterprise Apache Hadoop

NEC and Hortonworks have strengthened their partnership to bring quality Data Management Platforms to increase efficiency in handling Big Data workloads.

NEC Philippines along with Hortonworks conducted a roundtable in Shangri-la Hotel, Makati, gathering different IT Professionals, industry executives, and industry giants in the Philippines to shed light on the importance of understanding Big Data analytics and how to utilize them for their respective industries, especially for Enterprise customers. “The NEC-Hortonworks partnership aims to provide solutions and create insight into the key factors to being competitive and driving our companies to further growth,” NEC Philippines President Elizabeth Pangan said.

“In this partnership, NEC is committed to provide the best Hadoop platform for data management processing. As part of this solution, NEC brings specialized hardware that is designed and optimized for Big Data workloads,” Pangan added. The partnership combines NEC's "Data Platform for Hadoop" with Hortonworks Data Platform to allow enterprise customers to process structured and un-structured data on a single platform. Hortonworks Data Platform is optimized with NEC’s Server hardware, such as the DX2000 which can be fully customized for a variety of Linux Operating Systems to meet the needs of the enterprise market. The roundtable was fruitful and informative as the executives listened to talks about The Art of Data Science, Getting Into the Data Driven Economy, Delivering Faster Analytics at Scale, and Hortonworks Data Platform End-to-End Solution. Both NEC and Hortonworks are committed to deliver quality support in addressing technical concerns enterprise customers might have with this Large-scale Distributed Processing Platform.

Fern. Releases Debut Single “Into You” and Peaks at # 1 on Spotify!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

17-year-old singer-songwriter-producer Fern. releases debut single “Into You” under Universal Records and immediately peaked at # 1 on Spotify!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fernando Tan a.k.a. Fern. is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter/producer whose self-discovery of his musical talent began at the young age of twelve. He was first a lead vocalist-guitarist for a band but his craft grew wider and deeper with his newfound knowledge of producing. His learning proved fruitful when he was tapped with a great opportunity to co-write and co-produce Claudia Barretto’s successful single “You.”

With a multitude of original songs written, one might ask where a young boy of seventeen draws inspiration from. “I haven’t experienced much of the world. Usually I use films for inspiration.”

His ability to empathize is what he wishes to be known for, beyond just the sound of his music. The essence of his craft is to let people realize what they are going through. “I want my music to speak for the people who can’t speak up.”

When asked about the story behind his debut single entitled “Into You”, “It’s a metaphor for something,” he answered. “I don’t want my mom to know.”

Universal Records is more than proud and elated to announce that the debut single “Into You” peaked at number 1 on Spotify shortly after its release, and still maintains its position up until now.

Fern.’s single, “Into You,” is now released on all digital platforms, to be followed by his debut EP this 2018.

FERN. ’s debut single #IntoYou is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon and Spinnr


iTunes/Apple Music
https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/into-you-single/1304844864

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/15J8g6mMjEkIPDuSiSOtUT?si=R1DZwR4ET520taA293P7Ig

Deezer
https://www.deezer.com/album/50865262

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Into-You-Fern/dp/B0772CKLJV

Spinnr
http://www.spinnr.ph/desktop/#songdetail?musicCode=6019010004423362

Keynote Speech of DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi at Oil Industry Management Bureau Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To our distinguished guests, friends from the media, DOE management and staff, Good morning!
 
We must all be proud of what we have attained so far as a result of strenuous discussions, exchanges and revisions. The government and private sector working together towards a common goal that is for the common good of the industries and the consumers as a whole.
 
The Revised Retail Rules, The Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Regulation and Handbook on LPG Safety Code in Refilling Plant are a welcome development in its respective sectors. For one, we now have categories for gas stations that will serve, among others, as basis of additional facilities and services. We are also open to the various technology-options that are being introduced in the market to address the proliferation of liquid fuels in soda bottles or “bote-bote” and to cater the dynamic segment of the transport industry, the tricycles and those living in remote areas.
 
Furthermore, the DOE and the Downstream Oil Industry have already drafted and endorsed to the DTI BPS for issuance of the new PNS for Biodiesel blends of both Automotive and Industrial Diesel Oils to comply with the standard specification under the Philippine Clean Air Act.
 
These are potent measures to encourage the entry of new industry participants and to address or at least minimize the noted infractions being made by unscrupulous entities.  Need I say that we must not lose sight of our partnership, that we need to jointly monitor and for each industry stakeholder to exercise self-regulation.
 
So, what is the bottom line? These issuances generally put in place the requirements for ease in doing business and reiterate and identify the national standards on quality and quantity that is, for the protection of consumers’ welfare. As what we have always been advocating, safety comes first and there is no compromise on that. While the industry is deregulated, government must ensure that all stakeholders abide to the laws, rules and regulations governing the business especially, on safety.
 
We all know that this does not stop here. In fact, there are still a lot of things to do and we appreciate your continued support on the more urgent additional rules.
 
For one, the need to review and eventually update the compliance to the Biofuel requirements on Ethanol and CME blends. 
 
Secondly, a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) is planned to be issued on the first quarter of 2018 directing all LPG Industry participants to observe minimum safety standards in the transportation and distribution of LPG in Cylinders. It was crafted to apply to all persons involved in importing, refining, refilling, storing, transporting, marketing, distributing, hauling, retailing, selling, and/or trading of LPG in cylinders. The LPG Industry participants are enjoined to adhere to and observe strictly the guidelines and all the submissions and compliances that are prescribed and mentioned in the said JAO. In order to effectively implement the provisions in the circular, the proposed JAO is promulgated for the information, guidance and compliance of all concerned. This measure shall be made in coordination with our partner agencies such as DILG, DOTr-LTO and MMDA who are directly involved in the regulations of vehicles transporting petroleum products.
 
And the last but not the least, a Department Circular on the Unbundling of Oil Price Adjustment is being prepared that is seen to enhance the availability of information regarding the details of any oil price adjustment including the reasons for such. It shall also mandate the direct explanation of the adjustment by the respective oil companies and the requirement of specifying the date when the price adjustment from the biofuel shall be effected. It shall be released on the first quarter of 2018.
 
This sums up what we have accomplished to date and what we need to finish in the early part of 2018. 
 
As we endeavor to put order in these industries, we again call on you to join us in pursuing and championing it.
 
Thank you and Good Morning!

DOE Moves Against Adulterated ‘Bote-bote’ Fuels

Wazzup Pilipinas!

OIL CONSUMER DAY: All smiles as the Department of Energy (DOE) celebrates Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) Day as part of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM). Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi together with DOE Undersecretary Donato Marcos, Office of the Secretary Director Cesar Dela Fuente, OIC for OIMB Director Rino Abad, OIMB Assistant Director Rodela Romero, other DOE officials, representatives from different oil industry stakeholders and former DOE Secretary Zenaida Monsada were present during the presentation of five (5) new policies for the downstream oil industry: 1) DPNS/DOE QS 004:2017 CME-Blended Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO) Specification; 2) DPNS/DOE QS 013:2017 CME-Blended Industrial Diesel Oil (IDO) Specification; 3) Code of Safety Practices for LPG Refilling Plants; 4) Retail Rules; and 5) Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation. These policies are aimed at protecting consumers and guiding industry players in offering better products and services.

The sale of adulterated gasoline and diesel to tricycles and jeepneys in the countryside may soon become a thing of the past, according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

On Tuesday, Cusi presented new policies crafted by the Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau that would ease the establishment of gas stations in the countryside.

Cusi said that the “bote-bote” system or sale of gas and diesel on soda bottles opens end-users to the purchase of adulterated fuel and exposes the public to the dangers of fire and explosion.

The new policies under the downstream oil industry are intended to further protect consumers by enticing industry players to provide better services and products.

The policies were unveiled as part of OIMB Day in line with the celebration of December as the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM).

Themed with the E-Power Mo campaign, the NECM highlights the importance of energy in the daily lives of the Filipinos and the country's overall economic development.

“The Revised Retail Rules, The Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Regulation and Handbook on LPG Safety Code in Refilling Plant are a welcome development in their respective sectors,” said Secretary Cusi.

“We now have categories for gas stations that will encourage the putting up of safer products, facilities and services,” said Cusi.

“We are also open to the various technology-options that are being introduced in the market to address the proliferation of liquid fuels in soda bottles or 'bote-bote'", he added.

Cusi affirmed the need to cater to the dynamic segment of the transport industry, the tricycle drivers and operators and those living in remote areas.

Cusi said the DOE drafted and endorsed to the Department of Trade and Industries-Bureau of Product Standards the new Philippine National Standard (PNS) for automotive and industrial diesel products in compliance with the standard specification under the Philippine Clean Air Act.

The DOE-OIMB also separated the PNS for automotive and industrial diesel oil.

PNS/DOE QUALITY STANDARD: 004:2017

The improved PNS/DOE Quality Standard (QS): 004:2017 on coco-methyl ester (CME)-blended Automotive Diesel Oil Specification contains revised technical provisions to upgrade the fuel quality requirement (such as reduced sulfur content limit in compliance with Euro-4 emission standard) and test methods for more accurate evaluation of fuel quality.

PNS/DOE QUALITY STANDARD 013:2017

The upgraded PNS/DOE QS 013:2017: CME-Blended Industrial Diesel Oil Specifications include introduction of cetane number or derived cetane number as new property, removal of distillation property, reduction in the limit of carbon residue, increase the limits of density, flash point and kinematic viscosity and updating of test method.
Said standards aim to improve diesel quality for cleaner and efficient fuels sold in the market.

CODE OF SAFETY PRACTICES FOR LPG REFILLING PLANT and RETAIL RULES

Giving more protection to oil consumers, the DOE-OIMB issued the Code of Safety Practices for LPG Refilling Plant and updated the Retail Rules. These two policies are essential to safeguard the welfare of the consumers against unscrupulous trading of petroleum products (i.e., adulteration and under-delivery), said the DOE.

They will also provide regulations on emerging and expanding technologies in the retailing of liquid fuels and more stringent measures for safe LPG manufacturing and use.

PHILIPPINE DOWNSTREAM NATURAL GAS REGULATION

Lastly, the DOE-OIMB also announced the issuance of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR), which provides standardized guidelines in the accreditation, operation, maintenance of natural gas infrastructures and facilities as well as its supply importation and transportation.

The PNGR will also liberalize entry to the natural gas market and adherence of participants to international andj Philippine health, safety, security and environment standards.

The policy will also allow Third Party Access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) import receiving facilities, Transmission and Distribution pipelines to create more players in the downstream natural gas value chain.

SPT Networks Asia Wins Big at 22nd Asian Television Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia Wins ‘Cable & Satellite Network of the Year’ at the 22nd Asian Television Awards, Takes Home Five Awards for AXN and The Amazing Race Asia Season 5

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia scooped the pool at the 22nd Asian Television Awards in Singapore taking home five awards including the highly coveted ‘Cable & Satellite Network of the Year’.

Sony’s flagship channel in Asia, leading English general entertainment powerhouse,
AXN, won ‘Cable & Satellite Channel of the Year’. The channel was also recognized for its hit-rated, pan-regional original production, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, with three competitive awards: ‘Best General Entertainment Program’, ‘Best Reality Program’ and ‘Best Adaptation of an Existing Format’.

“We’re celebrating SPT Networks’ 20th anniversary this year and the five Asian Television Awards we received is a testament to the incredible teamwork, passion and creativity that we invest in our network every day. As the leader in genre-defining channels, it’s in our DNA to know our viewers’ habits and then deliver compelling content to win their hearts, minds and screens,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Lim added, “AXN has a celebrated track record of creating blockbuster, pan-regional original productions that truly engage our viewers across multiple platforms. In 2016, it was The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, and this year we’re owning Thursday nights with Asia’s Got Talent Season 2. Watch this space as there will be more award-winning
original productions coming up, including AXN’s new magic series, The Elements with Cosentino, premiering in January 2018.”

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 premiered in October 2016 securing AXN’s position as the #1 English General Entertainment channel in its Thursday night timeslot, with a 51% share of the genre. Hosted by TV personality Allan Wu, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was also the top rated original production of the year, which followed the adventures of 11 fearless teams who traversed Asia in a bid to win USD100,000.

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was produced in collaboration with award-winning international production company, Profiles Television and globally renowned series creators Bertram Van Munster and Elise Doganieri.