ABM Global Solutions, Roxas Holdings Partner for Operations Enhancement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ePLDT subsidiary ABM Global Solutions (AGS) has been tapped by Roxas Holdings, Inc. to support its business process enhancement initiatives.

Roxas Holdings, the largest integrated sugar business and the biggest ethanol producer in the Philippines, wanted to further strengthen its capabilities and support its operations.

With this in mind, Roxas Holdings partnered with AGS to implement for the company and its subsidiaries Microsoft Dynamics AX, the most advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution. The new system is envisioned to handle the financial and procurement processes for Roxas Holdings which operates two sugar mills, a refinery, and two bioethanol plants. The ERP solution will also provide business intelligence, enabling accurate business insights and efficient decision-making.

A business solutions provider of choice for a growing number of enterprises in the country, AGS has established a strong track record in delivering quality consulting services and premier software applications.

“We are pleased to have ePLDT/AGS as our partner in enhancing our ICT systems,” said Roxas Holdings President & CEO Hubert Tubio. “Having expert support for our ICT initiatives will enable us to leverage on technology to boost operational efficiency and service delivery.”

“It has always been our goal to help Philippine businesses level up through ICT,” shared Ernesto Alberto, AGS Chairman and ePLDT President. “With our innovative software solutions and pool of expert personnel, we will continue to support enterprises in their drive to be globally competitive.”

To know more about AGS’ ERP solutions, visit www.abmglobal-solutions.com.

*Photo caption: Shown in photo during the contract signing are from left to right: Luigi Lopa, AGS General Manager; Nerissa Ramos, ePLDT Group COO and AGS President and CEO; Ernesto Alberto, PLDT/Smart EVP for Enterprise and International Carrier Business, ePLDT President, and AGS Chairman; Hubert Tubio, RHI President and CEO; Celso Dimarucut, RHI CFO & EVP for Finance; and Ronnie Villanueva, RHI AVP & Head, ICT. 

Ballet Philippines Opens 47th Season with “Firebird and Other Ballets”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Wings,” the 47th performance season of Ballet Philippines, kicks off with “Firebird and Other Ballets” from August 19 to 21 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo or CCP Main Theater.

The country’s flagship classical and contemporary dance company revives the timeless tale of love and adventure set to Igor Stravinsky’s enchanting and groundbreaking musical score. The show, which is a mixed bill of contemporary and neo-classical works, features pieces by David Campos, Dwight Rodrigazo, Carlo Pacis and an all-new Firebird by Russian-born choreographer George Birkadze.

Birkadze brings a fresh approach to the mystical Firebird and reimagines the Russian folk tale into a pre-Hispanic Philippine setting. Fashion educator and artist Mark Lewis Higgins designed the ballet’s costumes with the help of students from Slim’s Fashion & Arts School. Higgins takes inspiration from historical documents such as the Boxer Codex, and using elements such as gold, spices, and porcelain.

Meanwhile, renowned Spanish choreographer Campos draws from the company’s unique strengths as he reworks “Ne Neh Ledej” for the cast. The piece, originally performed by Ballet David Campos, is a witty take on neo-classical ballet.

Where Do Broken Hearts Go? And How To Fix Them?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Have a broken heart? These words may be familiar isn’t? Especially for teenagers aged 20 years and above who never established a serious relationship. You feel heartbroken when everything seems to stop, and every second keeps passing by. Every inch of the heart feels so empty, even though I am among a big crowd of people. Loneliness is the only thing you can feel.

In fact, the usual sweet smile that graced the face will be destroyed and taken away as if thousands of dementors in Harry Potter has come and seized all the happiness I have ever felt.


Brain or Heart

Although it is called a broken heart, but keep in mind that a broken heart is a term that describes how sick a person’s heart is, as if the heart had been broken and shattered.

The brain is the main character of their heartbreak.

How is this?

According to Naomi Eisenberger, a professor at the University of California in Los Angeles, the pain comes from our own minds. When a person falls in love, a part of our brain called the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) is flooded with neurochemicals – dopamine and oxytocin. Sounds very scientific? In simple terms, these neurochemicals produced will give a sense of joy and happiness. Referring to science, love is more than opiate drugs.

When someone is feeling broken hearted, all chemical substances produced during in love will evaporate and leaves us the hormones that cause us to feel stress. Hence, the sense of stress eventually makes the heart ache.

The pain can be likened to 1000 times more powerful than a toothache.

Do not let a broken heart master ourselves

I know it feels heartbroken because it cannot be denied that I too had been in that stage. Crying yourself to sleep, no appetite for food and not even in the mood to meet anyone. I also know how difficult it is to repair a broken heart. But remember, the world is not over just because you’re heartbroken, not once, twice or many times.

After all the heartache, you have to rise from adversity.

There is a syndrome called Takotsubu Cardiomyopathy (TC) or more commonly known as broken heart syndrome. According to a cardiologist, Dr. Lawrence Weinstein of Bethesda Memorial Hospital’s Chest Pain / Heart Failure Centre, this syndrome has similarities with a heart attack. The difference is that there isn’t anything that closes the source of blood to the heart in your arteries.

So, what are the best “medicine” for treating a broken heart?

1. Eat chocolate and listen to music
Forced to eat when you were not hungry at all? When experiencing a broken heart, many are forced to perform a routine called meal, only to survive without really enjoying the food that goes into your mouth. It’s good to try eating dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate contains compounds called Andamines which can improve your mood. While eating dark chocolate, you can also listen to music. Quoted from professor Kay Norton, Ph.D. from Arizona State University, music can help you go through emotional times. Even the sad songs you listen are able to help you feel better the next day.

2. Visit cool places

If eating dark chocolate and listening to music is not enough to cure a broken heart, now is the time you start traveling. A study showed that traveling is one of the best medicine for a broken heart.

When traveling, you will be spared from the daily routine and can also see a variety of unique things that you have never seen before.

What are you waiting for? Grab a backpack or briefcase, go places you want to visit and have fun. Who knows “The Right One” is there waiting for you?

3. Retail therapy

Retail therapy is a method to feel better by shopping. Expensive? This is certainly not nonsense and has been proven by research.

According to a study conducted by TNS Global, as much as 64% of women and 40% of men in the United States acknowledges that retail therapy can make them feel better in terms of mood.

4. Conduct “me time”

How long have you not given yourself some “Me Time”? Do not let your broken heart forget about how precious you are. A little “me time” like a cream bath in the salon, doing manicure or pedicure, exercise, having a walk alone in the city park while enjoying the greens can certainly make you feel better.

There is no harm once a month rewarding your accomplishments on how strong you are surviving despite suffering a bad heartbreak.

5. Accept the pain

It is a nightmare to get your heart broken by someone. Some are reluctant or unable to move on with life. According to Paul McKenna and Dr, Hugh Willbourn in his book entitled “How to Mend a Broken Heart”, one way to cure it is to accept the pain. This will make you stronger and certainly be more matured in your next relationship.

In conclusion, any painful heartbreak you feel, do believe that time will heal all wounds in your heart. Continue striving forward with an open heart and believe that someday, someone will wipe your tears away.


Contributed by Davin Chuah

Adam Levine Featured at Proactiv TV Commercial

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Let us share with you Adam Levine’s newest Proactiv TV commercial. Hopefully his life-changing acne story with Proactiv will inspire you to believe that there is always a chance for everybody to shine out even when hope seems to be very slim.

Luckily, I was not among those who suffered from acne during my younger years unlike my other friends whose faces seem to be a favorite hang-out of those dreaded pimples. But later in life we see the same people who are now like swans that were previously called ugly ducklings.

True enough, there are late bloomers who were not attractive during their school years but turned out so glamorously charming when they reached their adult years.

So you're schoolmate may suddenly become a sensational star after a few years thanks to advances in technologies including products created to make our lives easier against acne.

Lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning band Maroon 5, Adam's made a name for himself with a
signature voice woven into the musical fabric of today. His signature voice swept throngs of women off their feet. But despite his hot looks and glowing achievements in his remarkable career, Adam Levine, the “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2013 was, once upon a time, someone who struggled with acne breakouts during his teenage years. This man, the envy of many men because of his undeniable charisma and confidence, also suffered because of acne just like any normal teenager, and grappled with lack of confidence. For someone who looked so natural in front of the camera, Adam was once forced to stay away from the crowd.

SME-UPD Proudly Presents Luntian: Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers will be holding its annual Manufacturing Engineering Conference this August 20 at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium of De La Salle University in Manila City. The event, entitled “Luntian: Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies”, is designed to raise awareness about the use of engineering and design concepts in eco-friendly applications.

The conference will be a series of talks from distinguished speakers with several years of experience in green technology. They are:

· Engr. Dennis Rosacay, who had a leading role in constructing the 750 MW Kalayaan Phase II Hydro Power Plant as an a project engineer of the National Power Corporation;

· Mr. Edmund Araga, VP for manufacturing of KEA Industrial Corporation, a manufacturer of electric trikes which hopes to revolutionize public transportation in the country, and;

· Mr. Bayani Baylon, VP for communications of Nickel Asia Corporation, a firm advocating responsible mining by improving the lives of communities near its several mines

Engineering students from the five SME student chapters (University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Bulacan State University), along with other top universities in the country will be participating. Prizes from sponsors will be given away.



For more details please contact Danica Endaya at 0906 280 9099, Jes Buaron at 0917 831 1799, or email us at conference.sme.ph@gmail.com. You can also visit our facebook page facebook.com/smeph.conference

No Hero’s Burial for Enemy of Heroes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Hindi matatawag na bayani ang taong pumaslang sa marami nating mga bayani."

This was the remark made by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros as she joined today a multisectoral rally protesting the government's plan to bury the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

Braving the rain and mud, Hontiveros joined a broad coalition of Martial Law victims, youth groups and people’s organizations as they converged at the Lapu-lapu Shrine located at the Rizal Park. They jointly appealed to the Duterte administration to listen to the "call of the people and history."

"We cannot consider a hero the very man who caused the incarceration, torture and deaths of those who fought for justice, freedom and democracy. Maraming napatay noong Martial Law, gaya ng mga student leaders, community organizers at journalists na siyang ating mga tunay na bayani," Hontiveros said.

"Marcos went down in history as an unrepentant enemy of our heroes. To honor the man a hero and bury his remains in a place reserved for the brave and martyred is an inimitable political abomination. President Duterte must not commit this atrocious mistake," Hontiveros added.

Hontriveros, who is the author of the lone Senate Resolution opposing the planned hero's burial for Marcos, welcomed Duterte's recent admission that the late strongman was not a hero. This is even as the Chief Executive remained firm in his decision to bury Marcos at the heroes' cemetery claiming that he was a soldier and former president.

"I see this as a small victory in our constructive engagement with the President on this issue. I hope in the coming days President Duterte will continue to listen to undeniable facts disproving Marcos' soldier credentials and highlighting his moral turpitude offenses. These facts ultimately disqualify him from being buried at the LNMB," Hontiveros said.

Last week, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 86, expressing the sense of the Senate that Marcos is "unfit to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani."The resolution underscored Marcos’ numerous crimes, including being liable to 10,059 plaintiffs for acts of torture, summary execution, and disappearance.

American Ninja Warrior Returns on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

American Ninja Warrior, one of the most watched sports competition series on television, returns on AXN for a sixth season.

As in previous seasons, hundreds of contestants from all over the United States will test each other’s strength, stamina, and endurance as they hurdle the challenging obstacles of the qualifying rounds in the regional competitions to be held in five locations: Venice Beach, California; Dallas, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida; and Denver, Colorado.

The top 100 competitors will vie in the national finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the U. S. version of Mount Midoriyama, the grueling obstacle course in Japan, has been constructed for the finals course of the competition.

Competitors should complete the first three stages consisting of a total of 23 obstacles before advancing to the finals stage where they attempt to climb the 8-story Mount Midoriyama, a 75-foot rope climb in 30 seconds or less. The winner receives US$500,000 and the coveted title “American Ninja Warrior.”

Unlike any other competition on television, American Ninja Warrior was nominated as Favorite Reality Show in the 2015 Kids’ Choice Awards and as Favorite Competition TV Show in the 2016 People’s Choice Awards. This year, as proof of its growing popularity among viewers, American Ninja Warrior has been nominated for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program in the upcoming 68th Emmy Awards.

American Ninja Warrior Season 6 is again hosted by American actor and comedian Matt Iseman, former NFL football player and sports analyst Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, and ESPN sportscaster and model Jenn Brown as the sideline reporter.

American Ninja Warrior Season 6 airs Tuesdays-Thursdays at 7:55pm
First & Exclusive on AXN

AXN is available on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

‪#‎ORSPUSTAroundTheWorld‬: Are You Ready to Ride and Go On a Journey With Us?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We're all set for the journey! How about you? OR you ready?

Prepare yourselves as the itinerary is set.

You'll not only get to experience a WHOLE YEAR ROUND of DESTINATION events MADE FIT just for you, but you can also get the chance to win exciting PRIZES and FREEBIES!


Become a member of the ORSP-UST Family this Engineering Recruiment Week! Visit us at our booth at the EDUCATION FENCED AREA on AUG 17-20 2016, 8am-5pm

Wander. Explore. Discover.

Let's go Around the World!

Come aboard IE Students and see you there!

‪#‎ORSPUSTAroundTheWorld‬

Young Davaoenos Get a Chance to Join World-Class Football Camps in Malaysia and Europe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

About 300 children aged 10-12 from Davao City and nearby provinces will vie for a chance to join world-class football camps in Malaysia and possibly, Europe this year for free as part of the tie-up between Astro Malaysia and Globe Telecom.

The top eight players from the Davao leg will be competing against talented athletes from Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Manila for 12 slots in the Astro Kem Bola Advanced Training Programme in Kuala Lumpur next month together with their counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia. The best players from the advanced camp will then fly to Europe for two weeks of professional football training in December 2016.

“The Astro Kem Bola programme aims to provide a comprehensive learning and football development experience. Through it, we have seen talented kids grow into well-rounded athletes playing in the Malaysian national youth team on an international platform. We are privileged to be able to play a role in their development and look forward to do the same for the youth of Philippines and other ASEAN countries,” said Datuk David Michael Yap, Vice President of Community Affairs, Astro. The Malaysian media and entertainment powerhouse network, likewise, introduced recently to Globe customers the latest in live sports such as e-games and the newest Asian shows via over-the-top (OTT) provider Tribe.

“We are proud that Astro has chosen TM Football Para sa Bayan as a venue to discover talented kids who would be given an opportunity to further harness their craft and bring them closer to their dreams. Through our sports advocacy, we hope to forge similar partnerships with other like-minded organizations to help uplift the lives of the youth especially those from the marginalized sector and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship.

Ray Guinoo, TM Portfolio and Brand Head added: “TM, being a brand for the youth, is always after the development of our young people. One of the ways to do this is through TM Football Para sa Bayan. We are using the power of sports to instil in the youth the importance of possessing the right attitude, good values, and a good education. Hopefully, through the sports communities and the tie up with Astro, we can create more opportunities for the kids across the country.

”The TM Football Para sa Bayan clinics are being handled by Green Archers United (GAU), a professional football league which has been Globe Telecom’s implementing partner in developing the football grassroots program in the last three years.

To show that Astro and Globe/TM are looking for more than just exceptional football skills, the kids will also be selected based on teamwork; discipline, behaviour and sportsmanship; communication on and off the pitch; positive attitude towards teammates, volunteers, and coaches; ability to listen to instructions; and good personality.

The football clinics are open to all street football communities, underprivileged kids, varsity players from public and private schools, and private football clubs. Interested participants may register by sending their complete name, birth date, contact number tofootballparasabayan@gmail.com or calling Deeg Rodriguez at +639178843334.

Live, Work, Play: Updates on Some of Metro Manila’s Mixed-Use Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To say that Metro Manila’s real estate landscape is fast evolving is quite an understatement. For instance, no one would have guessed that Ayala Triangle was the site of the Philippines’ main and only airport—Nielsen Field—in the 1930s, before its destruction during World War II and subsequent redevelopment in the 1950s.

To give examples of more recent real estate “rebirths,” many residents of Metro Manila still remember Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill before they were, well, Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill. The 244-hectare Filinvest Alabang, in addition, was once a vast pastureland before the late 1980s, and Rockwell Center once  housed a thermal power plant operated by MERALCO.

Because the real estate industry’s appetite for new land to develop is insatiable, a growing number of master-planned, mixed-use projects are currently being constructed in many parts of Metro Manila. One can describe this building boom to be quite intense as every project that completes means more shopping malls, office towers, residential condos, and lots and lots of leisure areas add to the capital’s ever evolving real estate landscape.

Mixed-use projects will soon shape Metro Manila’s real estate landscape.

Whether you call them townships, mixed-use estates, or live-work-play developments, these real estate projects have everything people need: master-planned, centrally located, transit-oriented, and are teeming with activities 24/7.

Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph take a look at some of these future self-contained “mini-cities” to see their progress.

South Park District

Developer: Avida Land

Location: Alabang, Muntinlupa

Size: 6.6 hectares

A project by Ayala Land subsidiary Avida Land, South Park District will soon rise on the former site of Nestlé factory along National Road in Alabang, Muntinlupa. According to Avida Land, two high-rise residential condominiums are currently underway in South Park District: Avida Towers Altura Towers 1 and 2, with the first tower scheduled for turnover sometime during the fourth quarter of 2016, and the second during the second quarter of 2018.

Aside from these residential components, Ayala Malls will open South Park Mall during the fourth quarter of 2016, which will boast 49,000 sqm of retail space, while the South Park District Corporate Center, a 12,000-sqm office tower to be built atop the mall, will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2017.

At present, South Park District’s Central Park is now open to public, which features interesting sculptures by artist Greg Yuson, and BAGA Manila, a barbeque held from Thursdays to Sundays. According to Avida Land, prices of condo units in Avida Towers Altura Tower 1 have already increased approximately 6.03 percent since launch, indicating positive interest among property buyers.

Vista City

Developer: Vista Land

Location: Between the cities of Muntinlupa and Las Piñas and the provinces of Cavite and Laguna

Size: Approximately 1,500 hectares

Touted as Vista Land’s most expansive project to date, Vista City, situated on an area shared by the cities of Las Piñas and Muntinlupa and the provinces of Laguna and Cavite in southern Metro Manila, promises to be a complete community comprising vertical and horizontal housing, BPO offices, shopping malls, and even educational institutions.

According to Vista Land, the project’s retail component—Evia Lifestyle Center—is complete, which boasts an air-conditioned courtyard with a sky ceiling, high-end cinemas, and an indoor glass atrium.

Vista City’s residential components are also quite comprehensive, representing the company’s three brands targeting different market segments: Brittany’s Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore by Portofino for upscale property buyers; Crown Asia’s Ponticelli Gardens and Ponticelli Hills for mid-end to high-end homebuyers; and Camella’s Cerritos for starting families.

Furthermore, Vista Land is developing Vista Hub situated along Daang Hari South, which is being earmarked as the south’s foremost business and IT park. Construction of its initial 10-hectare is well underway and will eventually house BPO companies. Another feature of Vista City is Palazzo Verde, one of Metro manila’s most sought after wedding venues.

The mixed-use projects future components include more office spaces, health and medical institutions, schools, sports facilities, and a hotel, while Vista Land’s residential components have already launched new phases of its residential projects.

McKinley West

Developer: Megaworld Corporation

Location: Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

Size: 34.5 hectares

Located just beside Forbes Park and the Manila Polo Club, McKinley West, in keeping with other Megaworld projects, is inspired aesthetic wise by modern and traditional European architecture.

This project, which sits on the former JUSMAG property in Fort Bonifacio, is expected to be fully developed over the next 10 years (Megaworld announced that it has earmarked Php45 billion for the project’s development), which when completed will composed of residential (condos and house and lots), IT parks and BPO offices, retail centers, and schools, among others.

The project’s first condo component—St. Moritz—was launched in 2015 and patterned after London’s One Hyde Park apartments. According to Megaworld, from Php190,000 per square meter, prices of St. Moritz units have already soared to Php215,000 per square meter in just a little over a year since its launch. The company also revealed that residential lots at McKinley West Village are now commanding prices of Php200,000 per square meter in the secondary market. Lots in this upscale project have selling prices of just Php70,000 per square meter when it was launched in 2010.

Arca South

Developer: Ayala Land

Location: Upper Bicutan, Taguig

Size: 74 hectares

At 74 hectares, Arca South is perhaps Ayala Land’s largest project inside Metro Manila since Bonifacio Global City. Soon to rise on the former FTI Complex in Taguig’s Upper Bicutan area, the estate will sit next to where East Service and C5 roads meet and will also feature a transport terminal dubbed “South Integrated Transport System.” According to Ayala Land, this section of Arca South, which is a multi-modal terminal, will facilitate organized transfers of some 4,000 buses and approximately 160,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal daily.

Arca South’s residential components are doing quite well. In fact, according to information obtained from Ayala Land, the estate’s residential sales have already reached 70 percent, with three of the company’s real estate brands—Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land, and Avida Land—together have sold over 1,000 units just a year after the projects’ individual launches. These Ayala subsidiaries’ residential projects in Arca South are Arbor Lanes, Veranda, and Avida Tower One Union Place, respectively.

In addition to these projects, excavation and construction have also begun for Ayala Malls, the Arca South Corporate Center, and Seda Hotel Arca South. The projects’ commercial lots are also fully sold, and according to Ayala Land, commercial land appreciated by 39 percent in less than a year since the project was launched in 2013. In addition, the company announced that it will invest Php80 billion for Arca South’s first five years, after which the estate will boast a built area of approximately 870,000 square meters.

Circuit Makati

Developer: Ayala Land

Location: Brgy. Carmona, Makati City

Size: 21 hectares

Dubbed as Makati’s newest entertainment district, Ayala Land’s 21-hectare Circuit Makati sits on the former Santa Ana Racetrack in Barangay Carmona along the southern banks of Pasig River. This mixed-use project will be anchored by the real estate giant’s various brands: Alveo Land for residential, Ayala Malls and Offices, and Ayala Hotels.

Although still under construction, several sections of Circuit Makati are now open to the public, including Circuit Lane and the 400-sqm black box theater Power Mac Center Spotlight; Globe Circuits Event Ground, a two-hectare entertainment venue that can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators; and sports facilities Mountain Dew Skate Park, Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch, and Urban CityKart Racing.

Ayala’s high-end residential subsidiary Alveo Land has already launched two high-rise condo projects in Circuit Makati: Solstice Towers 1 and 2, which are scheduled for turnover in August 2018 and January 2020, respectively. Aside from Solstice 1 and 2, structures under construction in Circuit Makati include the Stiles Enterprise Plaza, Ayala Malls Circuit, and Seda Hotel Circuit. According to Ayala Land, when completed Circuit Makati will boast approximately 9,000 condo units, 130,000 sqm of office space, and 250 hotel rooms.

Alabang West

Developer: Megaworld Corporation

Location: Brgy. Almanza Dos, Las Piñas

Size: 62 hectares

Currently being developed by Megaworld subsidiary Global Estates Resorts, Inc., Alabang West is a 62-hectare residential and commercial township (the real estate giant’s largest in Metro Manila) that is strategically located close to Alabang’s leisure and commercial districts (although the project itself is within the jurisdiction of Las Piñas City).

Alabang West’s highlight will be its Beverly Hills-themed lifestyle concept, complete with a 1.3-kilometer commercial row inspired by Rodeo Drive. According to Megaworld, almost half of the 788 lots made available during the project’s launch in 2014 were sold between October and December of that year. The company added that land prices in Alabang West rose by 25 to 30 percent in early 2015 from the township’s launch in 2014. Further, Alabang West is just one of several real estate projects in southern Metro Manila that will benefit from infrastructure developments in the area—namely, the Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX) and the Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Vertis North

Developer: Ayala Land

Location: North Triangle, Brgy. Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City

Size: 29 hectares

Dubbed as Quezon City’s very first central business district, Vertis North is a 29-hectare prime property located between EDSA, North Avenue, and Mindanao Avenue, just across from Ayala’s TriNoma Mall. Makati Development Corporation is currently undertaking the land development of the estate, as well as construction of Avida Towers Vita, a three-tower high condo scheduled to be turned over in March 2017 (Tower 1), September 2017 (Tower 2), and February 2018 (Tower 3); High Park, a high-end two-tower condo by Alveo Land, which will be turned over in the third quarter of 2019 (Tower 1) and 2020 (Tower 2). Aside from these two residential components, Ayala Hotels is also building Seda Hotel Vertis.

Vertis North is expected to boost the city’s economic development. Ayala Land has announced that it is investing Php65 billion for the project, which when completed will have approximately 45 towers and buildings composed of offices, shopping malls, hotel, and residential condominiums. The project’s first retail component will open in late 2016.

Senator Expresses Alarm Over HIV-AIDS Incidence Among Youth

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros challenged young people today to help overturn the HIV-AIDS epidemic. In an International Youth Day forum by Unilab Foundation’s Ideas Positive, the Senator expressed alarm over the rising incidence of HIV-AIDS, especially among young people.

“Young people are currently at the losing end of the HIV-AIDS epidemic. In the Philippines, newly diagnosed HIV cases increased by 230% from 2011 to 2015, mostly among young people, according to the DOH. In Metro Manila, there have been 303 new cases just last May this year”, Hontiveros told 150 young people from all over the country gathered in the forum.

“What is also troubling is that 3 out of 5 young Filipinos think that they are immune to HIV. To set the record straight, wala pa pong available immunization laban sa HIV”, she added in her speech.

As her legislative agenda, the Akbayan Senator filed Senate Bill #376 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Bill, which seeks introduce a legal framework on HIV that incorporates lessons from the current HIV response and introduces newer evidence-based, human rights-informed, and gender transformative strategies to prevent and treat the epidemic.

Hontiveros, the new Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Demography in the Senate, also expressed interest in partnering with youth health advocates to combat HIV-AIDS. “The role of young people and your ideas is to inspire the government. We have a lot to learn from you, believe me”, she expressed.

She committed that her office is open to new ideas. “In a world full of PokemonGO, let me be your Pokemon-stay. In the words of millennials today, ‘G tayo, mga bes’”, she humored.

WWF and HSBC’s Rain Campaign Prepares Households for Monsoon Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The rainy season is finally here!

This time of year, the Rain Campaign of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) is at its most significant.

The Rain Campaign raises awareness on the importance of freshwater supplies while making people more conscious of their water footprint. The campaign promotes the use of rainwater collectors as an alternative source of water for households.

This campaign that started in 2012 has now reached seven schools in Pasig and Donsol, educated more than 1400 students – and helped more than 100 families.

HSBC volunteer employees have helped WWF in teaching students to be more discriminating in using water. Volunteers took part in the collection of water samples to test water quality, like the level of alkalinity and the presence of bacteria in both tap water and collected rainwater. HSBC volunteers also mentored students about simple household solutions to have safe drinking water, while joining students in painting drums that can serve as rainwater collectors. 

Hollywood Actor Nicholas Hoult, aka X-Men’s Beast, Headlines AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“What a Lovely Day” and a “Beastly” good time it is for movie and pop fans around the region as AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila) confirmed Hollywood actor Nicholas Hoult as the latest celebrity headliner to hit the stage of the biggest pop culture convention slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Hoult, who made his acting debut with the 1996 Canadian-British film Intimate Relations, is best known for playing mutant scientist Beast in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past, War Boy Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road, protagonist Jack in Jack the Giant Slayer, and R in Warm Bodies.

In the past, Hoult starred in the independent, science fiction drama Young Ones opposite Michael Shannon and Elle Fanning and directed by Jake Paltrow, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He also starred opposite Colin Firth in Tom Ford's directorial debut A Single Man to rave reviews.

Hoult's most recent movie appearances were in Drake Doremus' film Equals, a futuristic drama also starring Kristen Stewart, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, as well as the British independent production Kill Your Friends, based on a novel by John Niven.

He has recently finished shooting writer/director Danny Strong's directorial debut Rebel in the Rye, in which he plays a young J.D. Salinger; and he will also be seen in the film Sand Castle for director Fernando Coimbra, in which he portrays an American soldier on a mission to help a village at the end of the war in Iraq.

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape's Ecotourism Receives Big Boost

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Taal’s ecotourism has received a big boost from the collaboration between Globe Telecom and the non-profit environmental organization Pusod, Inc. which are both working together to empower communities around the lake through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

One of the key programs implemented by Globe and Pusod to address the area’s environmental issues is the promotion of ecotourism through the Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) which gives a low-impact alternative to commercial tourism and promotes conservation of the ecosystem.

As a result of the partnership, earnings of TLCC jumped by 1400 % . From revenues of only P40,000 during its first year, TLCC registered an annual revenue of P600,000 by end 2015.

The facility was established by Pusod, in partnership with the Local Government of Mataasnakahoy and TVPL Protected Area Management Board, in 2011. TLCC serves as a knowledge hub for researches conducted in TVPL and operates the ecotourism program in partnership with Globe Citizenship. The program offers Community Walking Tours, Heritage Tours, Knowledge Tours to the Calawit side of the Volcano Island and other low impact water sports – Kayaking, Oz Goose Sailing, Stand Up Paddling.

“We continue to find ways of cooperation to protect the environment and support sustainable livelihood and conservation, thereby, giving birth to our partnership with Pusod which shares the same environmental values as Globe. Through our joint efforts, we are able to create positive impact across the value chain -- from the community-based tour guides, boat operators, horse guides, local caterer, and community volunteers,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director of Globe Citizenship.

Getting the Best of Your Pokémon GO Journey

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gear up trainers! Pokémon GO is finally available in the Philippines, and it’s time to fulfill your dreams of becoming a Pokémon master! Developed by Niantic Inc., Pokémon GO blends the much beloved world of the classic Pokémon game, with the real physical world through augmented reality. As a player of the game you must start your journey as a Pokémon Trainer to catch Pokémon, train them and eventually become a Pokémon Master. However, unlike other mobile games, Pokémon GO requires you to put more physical effort and even strategy to progress and master the game.

As the game is now officially available in the Philippines after weeks of anticipation, players are more than ready to go out and explore around. But don’t just roam around, be the very best with these tips when starting your Pokémon GO quest.

Always bring extra power – Playing Pokémon GO uses internet either through mobile data or WiFi, GPS to locate you and Pokémon nearby, and even your camera as part of the augmented reality experience, resulting to heavy battery drain when playing the game. It is best to always bring an extra power bank with you to keep your game going.

Hydrate properly – Pokémon GO requires you to go around and explore your surroundings, sometimes even walk or bike 10 kilometers just to hatch a Pokémon egg. With this, trainers are advised to always bring water and wear comfortable clothes to avoid dehydration. Who knows, you might even need to climb to the top of a nearby hill just to find the Pokémon you're looking for!

Have fun while being aware of your surroundings – Holding your phone in public can possibly attract thieves who may steal your phone. You might be also too distracted around you when you are enjoying too much of the game so be alert by keeping on the lookout from time to time!

Items are not unlimited – Playing Pokémon Go in the early stage might get you carried away in your excitement to catch Pokémon. Just remember that PokéBalls and other items are not unlimited, so use them wisely.

When catching Pokémon, keep the Pokémon centered in your camera frame so you can catch them more accurately. Don’t worry though, Poké Balls can always be acquired in PokéStops, or if you do ever run out of Poké Balls, you can purchase in bulk using PokéCoins.

Need PokéCoins? With Globe, you can easily buy more on Google Play via the hassle free Direct Carrier Billing so you can easily charge to your postpaid bill or prepaid credits!

Go to convergence areas for more PokéStops – PokéStops are there to provide you items to help you catch Pokémon, and can sometimes be spots where Pokémon can appear when lure modules are applied. PokéStops are most likely located in nearby convergence areas such as malls, parks, basketball courts or even mural paintings and statues. PokéStops refresh in a few minutes, so just keep on collecting items!

Watch out for PokéStops with lots of petals! This means that someone has activated a lure module in that PokéStop, and nearby Pokémon will be attracted to it for 30 minutes. You can activate this too by purchasing Lure Modules using PokéCoins.

Hint: You can check out https://www.ingress.com/intel for potential PokéStop and Pokémon Gym locations, as Pokémon GO uses the same data collected and used by the game Ingress, which is also developed by Niantic.

Form a team! – Are you team Instinct, Mystic or Valor? Once you reach level 5 you have to choose which side you will be. It’s best to form a team within your neighborhood or friends, this will give you better advantage to certain situations such as taking over Gyms, which allows you to gain prestige for your team, allowing more Pokémon from your team to defend the Gym. Plus, if one of your Pokémon is defending the gym, you can get PokéCoins for free every 21 hours your Pokémon is in the gym.

Choose Pikachu! – You can easily get Pikachu from the start of your game, simply ignore any of the starter Pokémon Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur, that might appear around you. Walk around for 3-5 times. Eventually Pikachu will appear and you will be able to capture the iconic Pokémon.

Transfer duplicate Pokémon for candy – Catching Pokémon might get you a lot of the same kind of Pokémon. Got 10 Pidgeys you say? Transfer your weakest 9 Pidgeys to Professor Willow for Pidgey candies!

You can transfer these duplicate Pokémon into candies if you hand them over to Professor Willow. Candies are necessary to increase the combat power (CP) and other stats of your Pokémon. Gain enough candies and you can evolve your Pokémon to its stronger form.

Pro-tip: Always transfer the duplicates with the lowest combat power (CP).

Eggs will make you travel – Hatching eggs will require you to travel a lot, make sure you always have an egg in the incubator to get the most of your travel. Eggs right now can hatch from distances of 10km, 5km or 2km depending on how rare the Pokémon is inside.

Level up fast - make the most out of your Pokémon adventure by using Lucky Eggs, which doubles the experience you gain from the game. Couple this with using lures or incense to catch more Pokémon. The more Pokémon you catch, the more experience you gain!

Pokémon GO just started its wave in the Philippines, and more and more trainers will venture to try out the new game and competition will get more intense in the coming days.

These tips will surely get you ahead of others. Playing Pokémon Go will get you hooked and it’s best to get the most of the trend. Globe offers 7 free days of access of Pokémon GO via the Globe Switch app, so you can maximize your data and enjoy playing without worries.

So go get your gear ready and catch ‘em all!