DOE, Private Sector to Make Safer Power Available for Poor Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Indigent families and informal settlers had to meet all the legal and financial requirements to get access to electricity. But now, they will be given a chance to enjoy the benefits of electricity services through the Department of Energy’s Electrification Program in collaboration with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO).

From 08 July 2016 to the present, the DOE-MERALCO partnership has electrified a total of 5,263 households in such areas as Gaya-Gaya in San Jose del Monte and other municipalities in Bulacan, Laguna and some parts of Rizal and Happy Land Aroma, BASECO Compound, Isla Puting Bato and Parola in Tondo, Manila.

By helping indigent families secure legal electrical connections, the DOE together with the help of distribution utilities can further reduce the risk of fire hazards, which may be caused by the illegal use of electricity.

The unlawful use of electricity is prohibited under Republic Act No. 7832, otherwise known as the Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission lines/Materials Act of 1994. Among the prohibited acts include: wire-tapping, tampering, installing, or using tampered electrical meter, jumper, current reversing transformer, shorting or shunting wire, loop connection or any attempt to destroy any accessory of the metering device box which encases an electric meter or its metering accessories.

The Magna Carta for Residential Consumers also disallows consumers from performing acts related to the pilferage of electricity. The Code reinforces the Anti-Pilferage Act by reiterating the circumstances that constitute prima facie evidence of the illegal use of electricity.

These policies serve as DOE’s guidelines to safeguard the welfare of the consumers against any untoward incidents such as fire that may have been triggered by faulty electrical wiring destroying properties and even resulting in loss of lives.

The DOE enjoins local officials and leaders to get more actively involved in ensuring safe legal electrical connections to protect communities thereby allowing the cities and municipalities to also earn more revenues from delivering better services to the people.

The DOE remains committed to fulfill its household electrification program, especially benefiting those living in economically depressed communities by providing them legal, secure, safe and stable supply of electricity.

XTrade Europe and Online Trading Challenges

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Trading industry has experienced a huge boost thanks to development of the Internet and computer technology. Just look around and you will see that more and more people buy online. It just does not matter whether we buy food, electronic, health insurance or book apartment for our perfect holiday. This transition from traditional forms of trading to online purchasing will be even more noticeable in the future. In fact, some experts claim traditional trading will be eaten by online retailers. 

The Rising Popularity Of Online Trading

However, it seems that online trading somehow lags behind online expansion. This is especially true for binary options and spread betting. Of course, we have a huge increasing trend of stocks or even Forex trading through brokers like XTrade Europe for example, but binary options and spread betting are sidelined. There are many reasons for this situation and listing them all would be far beyond the purpose of this informative article. We have decided to mention just few of them instead, hoping this will help you to understand the general situation in the online trading world.

Why Investors Choose To Ignore Some Investing Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons why binary options and spread betting are not popular more among online traders is that people have a poor and inadequate knowledge about these investing types. People are just not aware of their potentials.

Of course, there are online brokers such as XTrade Europe, who are doing their best to educate people and present online trading in a full capacity to them. However, it is just a beginning. There are many other things that have to be done before people realize all potentials of these online trading types. One more thing. People hardly change their habits. People who have been in traditional businesses for more than a decade will naturally be skeptical about these “new” business opportunities.

The second problem why people do not trade online more is poor security of private information and capital. We all know at least one person who was a victim of online scam. When we are on the Internet, we can forget about our privacy. Even the best-kept information can be hacked these days. We are convinced that people will be more interested in online trading when security in online world reaches desired level. In the meantime, we should only dal with proven and reputable trading platforms and brokers. XTrade Europe is one of them.

Another big problem is that people do not know many investors who actually managed to make money here. They think it is a place reserved only for a big financial experts and speculators. And we should understand them. Investing on the global market was a privilege of big investors, where ordinary people did not have access at all. It is all different today. Even the smallest investors can participate in the global financial arena and earn really big money thanks to XTrade Europe. Yes, people who manage to do this really exist. They are everywhere. If you are ready for hard work, you can become one of them.

Hearing on Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, Vows to Punish Violators

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros conducted a senate inquiry on the reported violations of several hospitals under Republic Act 8344, otherwise known as the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, where she vowed to punish erring medical institutions.

“No one should be refused adequate and quality medical care or unnecessarily die just because they are poor. Profit should not reign supreme over the health needs of the people. It not only negates the country’s achievements in achieving universal healthcare, it is also inhumane.Ang deposito ay mababayaran, ang buhay na nawala ay hindi mapapalitan,” Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Health and Demography, said in her opening statement.

During the hearing, several witnesses testified that University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Hospital and the Southeast Asian Medical Center allegedly refused to follow RA 8344, which prohibits any medical institutions to demand any deposit or any other form of advance payment, as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of a patient to prevent death or serious harm.

According to the witnesses Siarra and Anjo Pelayo, UST Hospital’s refusal to give emergency care to the former led to her miscarriage. Another witness Emiliano Del Rosario said his wife Sisa was refused care in Southeast Asian Medical Center due to non-payment of deposit that led to the worsening of her condition and death.

"Ito ay mga taong na hindi walang-wala. Mayroon silang dalang pera. However, the alleged erring hospitals denied them medical care by insisting on their prescribed deposits before hospital treatment. This is unacceptable," Hontiveros said.

To address this growing concern, Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 216, which seeks to amend the existing Anti-Hospital Deposit Law and impose heavier fines for hospital violators. Her bill recommends that penalties for violations of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law should be increased from the current P20,000-P100,000 to P500,000-P1 million, exclusive of damages that may be rewarded to the patient-complainant.

“Nararapat lamang na wakasan na ang ganitong mga gawain sapagkat buhay ang nakasalalay dito. Ito ay pwedeng nauulit at mauulit pa sa iba pang pasyente,” she added.

The said senate bill also seeks to create a Health Facilities Oversight Board, also known as the "Sumbungan Board", which will be composed by the Department of Health (DoH), hospital associations and patient rights' advocates. “The primary duty of hospitals and other medical institutions is to save lives. This should be promoted at all times,” Hontiveros said.

Lamudi to Host the Philippines’ First VR Real Estate Expo

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Property portal Lamudi Philippines is proud to stage the country’s first ever Virtual Reality Real Estate Expo (VR Expo), and showcase the most impressive properties from top local developers in a brand new way. The VR Expo is slated on September 3 to 4, 2016, at the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center and will be open free for the public from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on both days.


How does virtual reality technology influence real estate?

Virtual reality (VR) is set to transform the face of the Philippine real estate market, just as it has in so many other sectors since VR goggles were first released. As frontrunner in using this innovation, Lamudi believes that in the future, investing in property worldwide will be as easy as investing in the stock market, thanks to the application of VR technology. VR does not just make a huge difference to investors, it also heavily influences the buying process. Home-buyers nowadays want to be able to view the property they are interested in even while they are on the move or from their own homes. Today’s buyers want more than photos, so through virtualization they can now experience their prospective home in a 360° environment wherever they are.

“This revolutionary upgrade in real estate buying is likely to open up the market to international buyers and can make home-buying a faster and more efficient process,” shared Jacqueline van den Ende, founder and CEO of Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph.

Showcasing the best property on the market

The major sponsors for this event are Robinsons Communities, Right Homes, and SMDC. The exhibitors include New San Jose Builders, Hamilo Coast, and Union Bank, while the event’s official provider of VR goggles is VRLABPH. Lamudi Philippines’ listings contain a wide range of properties and the VR Expo is a stellar opportunity to discover the best real estate options available in the country through a unique and high-tech environment.

A brand new way of viewing property

Actual site visits to fully immerse oneself in the property is no longer required as technology transforms how we buy and sell property. A high-quality and fully interactive image in today’s world is a time and money saver especially in real estate. With VR, buyers are able to experience what it is like to be in the property for sale. Armed only with a pair of VR goggles, investors can view properties and make investment decisions from the comfort of their own homes.

Discover the futuristic side of real estate this September

The VR Expo is open to all buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, brokers, investors, and everyone who wants to experience cutting-edge technology applied to one of the most bustling sectors in the Philippines. Venture into a new way of property viewing, and visit this first-of-its-kind Expo happening at the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center on 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on the 3rd and 4th of September (10 a.m. until 10 p.m.). Register for free today at www.lamudi.com.ph/visit.

NTT Data Philippines is the New and Improved Wizardsgoup, Inc.

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NTT DATA Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (President and CEO: Tetsu Sato; Head office: Singapore; hereinafter referred to as “NDAP”) announces today that Wizardsgroup, Inc. will now be known as NTT DATA Philippines, Inc. In January 2016, NTT DATA Corporation, through its subsidiary NDAP, acquired 100% of outstanding shares in Wizardsgroup, Inc.

Wizardsgroup has established a strong presence in high value IT consulting and learning solutions for Oracle and Microsoft technologies mainly in the Philippine market. With over 20 years of experience in the local market, its core services have spanned the entire spectrum from application development outsourcing to implementation of enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) solutions.

“With this development, NTT DATA Philippines will continue to pursue the same corporate direction that has distinguished Wizardsgroup, Inc. across various sectors in the Philippine economy. We will build on NTT DATA’s group vision to be a “Global IT Innovator” and build upon its world-class IT services to the fullest to drive businesses faster in the country and in the region,” says Pocholo Reyes, President & CEO, NTT DATA Philippines.

NTT DATA Philippines’ total solutions package combines Wizardsgroup’s leading competency in deploying Microsoft technologies, and with the highly-developed capabilities on Oracle Engineered Systems. It provides added value in consulting services across industries as well as to software companies, system integrators, and IT service providers. 

NTT DATA Philippines’ main expertise lies in its thorough understanding of the problems their clients are facing and designing and rolling out solutions that respond to these challenges. For the past two decades, this comprehensive approach has contributed immensely to enhanced customer experience.

Presently, NTT DATA Philippines has clients based in the Telco, FSI/Banking, Oil & Gas, Healthcare, and Manufacturing industries in the Philippines. Building on NTT DATA’s track record in as a Global IT Innovator, NTT DATA Philippines will offer a wider range of solutions and services through globally proven best practices, cutting-edge Research and Development capabilities and a strong financial base. Clients will have access to the expanded capabilities and industry offerings as well as get benefits of NTT DATA’s global geographical presence.

Sepang F1 Circuit Blazes Anew with 2016 Michelin Pilot Sport Experience

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The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) blazes its way back to the Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia for the 12th consecutive year. For over 25 days in August and September, Michelin will treat more than 600 selected invitees from Asia, the Middle-East, Oceania and Europe to another round of excitement and sheer driving pleasure in the iconic Malaysian track.

Dealers, brand stake-holders, influencers and media were invited to participate in the event together with twenty-five (25) lucky consumers from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Japan and Korea. They won their MPSE trip by participating in Michelin Driving Passion, a social media campaign conducted recently that reached 70 million consumers in the region. Campaign participants were invited to describe and share the emotions they experience when they are behind the wheels.

A shared passion for beautiful speed machines that will elicit unique emotions awaits everyone at the MPSE. Guided by an elite team of professional racing drivers and instructors, participants will drive premium racing vehicles such as the Citroen DS3 R1, the Formula 4 car, the Renault Clio IV, the Lamborghini 2014 GT3 and a Formula Le Mans 2-seater exclusively designed for this event.

Meeting motorsports champions who embody the spirit of the race and getting to connect with them is part of what makes this year’s MPSE unique. Special VIP guests in 2016 include Earl Bamber, former MPSE instructor who raced his way to victory and became 2015 Le Mans champion, and Kris Meeke, winner of the 2016 WRC Rally Finland.

At the MPSE, Michelin will launch its new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 tyre, the newest arrival in the MICHELIN Pilot Sport family. This tyre is specifically designed for premium sedans and sport cars whose owners desire enhanced driving pleasure through superior performance, a unique looks and safety. Participants will experience first-hand the tyre’s excellent steering control and high level of reactivity during a dedicated workshop.

Why does Michelin continue to organize and enhance MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience, year after year? “There is nothing that can better convey our passion for performance than sharing it with our key stake-holders right where it is most apparent; on fantastic cars, in an iconic setting, with real racers, where one can feel, touch and even smell the difference that MICHELIN tyres can make”. Michael Nunag, Chief Representative of Michelin Philippines, said.

“The enthusiastic comments and the stronger engagement with the Michelin brand which we see in our invitees every year are a clear confirmation that MPSE is an extraordinarily effective platform to share our brand values and make a lasting impression”.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience was first launched at the Sepang International Racing Circuit in 2006 and has grown today into a key Michelin annual event in the region.

For more information about the MPSE, please visit its website: http://pilotsportexperience.michelin.com/

Hontiveros, Community Leaders File Alternative Mining Bill

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday filed a bill to limit mining operations and ensure the protection of communities and the environment through taxes and heavy fines.

Together with community leaders and advocates from Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), the neophyte Senator filed the Alternative Minerals Management Bill or Senate Bill #1069 to "rectify the failure of Republic Act 7942 or the Mining Law of 1995", the country's current law governing mining.

"There is a need to overhaul our current mining policy to ensure the proper management and utilization of our mineral resources", Hontiveros said.

The Senator also lamented the "low return and high costs of mining", citing that the industry only contributes 0.7% to the country's gross domestic product" while incurring high costs in terms of environmental degradation, loss of livelihood and human rights violations.

Hontiveros, also an environmental advocate, seeks to factor climate change in the government's mining policy framework by inculcating environmental tax and the establishment of a Calamity and Human Rights Protection Fund.

"It's time for mining companies to ensure that their operations do not harm the environment and are a source of contribution to the community", she added. "Super-heavy fines and revocation of licenses to operate await mining companies that violate the law", warned Hontiveros.

"The bill also limits the areas of operations of mining companies", she further explained. The bill protects watershed, key biodiversity areas, critical habitats and geo-hazard areas are no-go zones for mining companies.

Aside from the bill, Hontiveros supports a comprehensive review of all existing mining applications and licenses of all mining countries to determine what companies and mining areas, including places near settlements and biodiversity areas, are compliant with their respective environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) and those that have repeated records of abuse and exploitation. The Senator is also supporting the call of environmental advocates for a thorough investigation on the real economic benefits of mining.

Fast, Reliable Internet for Philippine Homes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Converge ICT, a world-class provider of ICT products and personalized services, now offers a more reliable and high-speed internet solutions for homes with its FiberX plans.

Despite the presence of several internet service providers (ISPs), the struggle to access information needed for daily living still remains challenging.

The Philippines is one of the countries in the world that is notorious for its slow and unreliable internet connection. In the recent ranking among Asia Pacific countries, it emerged as second slowest with an average speed of 3.64 megabits per second (Mbps), a disturbing mile behind more than 100 Mbps of Hong Kong and Singapore which are on top of the list.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge ICT president and CEO, FiberX uses pure fiber optics that allows symmetric connectivity. It enables the users to experience superior internet connection and reliability since it neither congests nor degrades data as it passes through, allowing for a speedy downloading and uploading process.

“Fiber technology offers many benefits to both households and businesses because it provides higher bandwidth. What this means is that, people can now enjoy faster internet and that translates to better productivity,” Uy said.

Converge ICT’s FiberX technology provides 100 percent end-to-end fiber technology from its node to the subscriber. This makes for fast browsing, video-streaming, and seamless gaming, among others.

Furthermore, Converge ICT’s pure fiber technology offers better security because unlike copper wire, which is the conventional material used by other providers, fiber is dielectric. This means that it does not transmit energy so conversations on LAN are fully secured.

FiberX comes in different packages that are tailor-made depending on the needs of the consumers. They may avail of Converge ICT’s FiberX with a 20 Mbps, 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps bandwidth, respectively.

Converge ICT has already connected its fiber-powered capabilities to cities like San Juan, Las Pinas, Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, CAMANAVA Area, Pasay, and Muntinlupa , Angeles in Pampanga and Tarlac City and Subic.

Converge ICT is licensed to operate nationwide. More than 6,700 km. of fiber optics cables (FOC) were rolled out nationwide with the use of the latest micro- trenching technology.

For more details, please visit the website at http://www.convergeict.com/about.php.

Selfie-Optimized Mirrorless Camera Fujifilm X-A3 Hits the Global Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Millennials will have a field day with the global announcement of Fujifilm’s newest innovation, the selfie-optimized mirrorless digital camera X-A3.

Designed with the younger, selfie-loving generation in mind, the X-A3 offers outstanding image quality with the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology. For easy self-portraits, the X-A3 has an LCD screen that is not blocked by the camera when tilted by 180 degrees, thus maintaining 100% visibility. Other features such as Eye Detection AF are designed to improve self-portrait shooting even more, and the new Portrait Enhancer mode includes the option to brighten the skin-tone. The X-A3 can shoot approximately 410 frames per charge, and, when fitted with the supplied lens “XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II,” it can focus on a subject at a distance of approx. 7cm from the front edge of the lens for macro photography.

Furthermore, the X-A3 is a mirrorless camera that combines a newly developed sensor and color-reproduction technology that has been refined over 80 years to deliver premium-quality portraiture. It enables users to record the subject’s texture, form, and even the atmosphere of the scene. In a few words, the shots look palpably alive.

Further enhancing the X-A3’s appeal is its retro design that no doubt is coveted by younger users. The top cover, front plate and top dials are made of aluminum. The newly developed faux leather has significantly enhanced the overall texture.

The use of two Command Dials means you only need a thumb to quickly adjust aperture, shutter speed and exposure settings. Frequently used functions such as white balance, continuous shooting and the self-timer can be assigned to standalone function buttons, eliminating the need to go through the Menu screen each time you need to change settings.

And since the younger generation tends to be impatient and always on the go, they will love the X-A3’s extended battery life of approximately 410 frames per charge. The energy-efficient design has extended the battery life to a class-leading level, allowing you to concentrate on shooting pictures without having to worry about remaining battery power.

The X-A3’s class-leading minimum working distance allows users to approach a subject up to the class-leading distance of approximately 7cm from the front edge of the lens to enable macro photography while the built-in pop-up flash supports the Super Intelligent Flash that accurately controls light output according to individual scenes.

What’s more is that the X-A3 can also be used for full HD video recording. The Film Simulation function can be applied to video recording for a diverse range of creative effects. You can shoot beautiful video blogs and do cool selfie using a camera with a flip screen, which will undoubtedly be very useful.

Turning on the electronic image stabilization function delivers the five-axis image stabilization that combines optical and electronic stabilization, significantly reducing a variety of camera shakes that could occur during video recording. This function allows you to record high quality video with reduced camera shake while walking around with the camera in your hand.

The X-A3 also comes equipped with enhanced autofocus settings and versatile shooting functions including the electronic shutter with the maximum speed of 1/32000 sec.

Not the least of the X-A3’s outstanding features is its wireless communications functionality, which enables remote shooting from smartphones and tablets. One can transfer photos immediately from their camera to their favorite social media platform.

Versatile, multifunctional and innovative, the new FUJIFILM X-A3 is a product of FUJIIFLM’s 80-year history and expertise in photographic film manufacturing.

Healthway Medical, Vivian Sarabia Optical Offer Free Eye Examination in Celebration of ‘Sight Saving Month’

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Healthway Medical, the country’s most trusted and preferred network of mall-based clinic, in partnership with lifestyle eyewear shop, Vivian Sarabia Optical, announces its joint program, ‘Pamper Your Eyes with Eye Care 360’ in celebration of August as Sight Saving Month.

The partnership allows interested customers to avail free quality eye examination and minor eye frame repair for the month of August by simply visiting the Vivian Sarabia Optical booth located in Healthway Medical’s Greenbelt 5 branch.

This strategic venture is part of the clinic’s mission of making health and wellness part of an everyday lifestyle among the general public.

“Healthway Medical and Vivian Sarabia Optical forged this partnership to support the advocacy. We’ve seen the need to educate the public on the importance of eye care and wellness because it is one of the most neglected health issues in the country,” said Carmie de Leon, Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Healthway Medical.

According to Vivian Sarabia, CEO of Vivian Sarabia Optical, many people take eye care for granted as they often neglect visiting optometrists until the problem is irreversible. Eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and errors of refraction are usually ignored until the condition gets worse. But more importantly, an eye check-up can be used to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, among others.

Vivian Sarabia Optical will also participate in Healtway’s wellness roadshow. This will allow customers experience a holistic approach to health and wellness.

“With the similar campaign that our both clinics want to push, we are opening the door to Filipinos to live a healthy and proactive lifestyle,” said Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

For more information, you can check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/healthwaymedical/ or visit their website at https://healthway.com.ph/.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Shown in the photo are Healthway Medical representatives Carmie de Leon, Vice President for Sales and Marketing and Racquel Cagurangan, General Manager with Dr. Vivian Sarabia, CEO and Jan Vincent Sarabia Ong, Corporate Partners Director of Vivian Sarabia Optical.

DOE, PSME to Conduct Joint Technical Audit of Power Industry Facilities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Public interest demands an appropriate intervention from both the government and the private sector to ensure consumer protection,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) yesterday (25 August 2016) at the DOE’s Central Office in Taguig City.

With the PSME providing pro-bono services, the MOA boosts the DOE’s technical audit of the country’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

The PSME is the only accredited professional association of registered and professional mechanical engineers in the country.

The PSME is composed of 84,000 members who have the necessary technical knowledge, expertise and competence to assist the DOE in addressing the current power situation.

Earlier, the DOE also signed a MOA with the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) to assist the DOE in the technical audit of power facilities.

Secretary Cusi said “the DOE is determined to immediately address the recurring challenges in the power supply chain that affects the productivity of our people. The entry of PSME will strengthen DOE’s technical audit teams.”

Present during the signing ceremony with Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and PSME National President Dr. Murry F. Demdam were (L-R) PSME Manila Host Director Cesar S. Galang, PSME Technical Committee Member Edwin F. Delgado, Assist of Chairman 64th PSME J Christopher T. Perez, National Secretary Edgardo C. Camering, Assistant to the 2016 National President Rolando C. So, Chairman 64th PSME National Convention Roger G. Reyes, DOE Spokesperson Wimpy B. Fuentebella, DOE Spokesperson Atty. Richie Ramos, Engr. Arwin Ardon, Atty. Gerardo Erguiza Jr. and DOE Legal Services Director Arthus T. Tenazas.

The DOE remains committed in ensuring reliable, stable, sustainable, sufficient and reasonably priced electricity to the public.

Ricky Lee Workshop Selection Process Set on Sept. 4

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Writers Studio, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI), will spearhead the screening and interview of applicants to Ricky Lee's 15th Film Scriptwriting Workshop at the UPFI Film Studio on September 4. Applicants may come to the venue anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Lee, a multi-awarded scriptwriter, has written more than 160 films such as “Himala,” “Karnal,” “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Salome,” “Cain at Abel,” “Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara,” “Deathrow” and “Mila.” He last conducted his workshop, which has produced hundreds of graduates who are now part of the movie and TV industry, in 2002. Writers Studio is a group composed of his workshop fellows and students.

Supporting Writers Studio and UPFI in organizing the selection process are the UP Department of Broadcast Communication, UP Broadcasting Association, Far Eastern University (FEU) Film Society, University of the East (UE) Buklod Sining, Think Creative, Inc. and Red Room Media Productions.

Lee, who started conducting workshops in 1982, when he was still new to the industry, thinks writing is sharing. “I believe that while you’re learning, you should share, rather than store, all the knowledge that you get.” He considers this more dynamic as he believes that creating comes hand in hand with sharing.

Those who have yet to submit the workshop requirements will have to fill out the Google form found at https://triptoquiapo.wordpress.com on or before August 28. Those who fail to do so may still come to the venue on the said date but they need to answer the essay questions on the form on the spot.

The selected individuals will make up Batch 15 of Lee’s workshop, which will be held every Sunday starting this November. Application to the free workshop is still open. For more details and other inquiries regarding the workshop, email rickyleebatch15@gmail.com or check out the Ricky Lee (Official) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TripToQuiapo) or Twitter account @triptoquiapo (SBS).

Converge ICT Offers Fiber-Powered Connectivity To Homes, Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The emergence of fiber-powered internet has accelerated recently, powering up homes and enterprises with high-speed internet that boosts productivity and provides optimum entertainment to users.

With the increasing need for fast internet, Converge ICT—a provider of world-class ICT products and personalized services to customers in the Philippines—rolls out next-generation broadband services that are set to improve lives and empower enterprises.

Converge ICT develops relevant and world-class solutions for its clients, creating productive working environments for businesses and optimizing home entertainment for every internet use at home.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge ICT president and CEO, access to internet is becoming more available, with more homes and small and medium enterprises as well as established ones recognizing the benefits that come with fiber internet’s integration into their operations.

“For businesses, slow internet speeds result to loss of productivity and efficiency; for homes, this means their inability to do research and watch their favorite TV show when they need and want it,” Uy added. “But with high-speed connectivity, you can enjoy its fullest potential.”

Duterte Says His Threat to Take the PH Out of the UN was Only a Joke

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay: "Duterte was ‘tired, disappointed, hungry’ when he threatened to take PH out of UN. We must give him leeway. He is only human."

Lately, Duterte says it was merely a joke. Lol!

Duterte supporters should be appointed as "interpreters" because they would always give positive meaning to whatever the President says. You have to give them credit for it would always be an extreme effort to find something good out of all the garbage spewing from his dirty mouth.

Supporters are implying we should read, or listen, between the lines. That what we perceive of Duterte is not what common sense dictates. That Duterte means good even though he is already making a mockery of the Philippines by quarreling with supposed to be allies like the UN.

They are trying to say they know Duterte better than most of us because they seem to know that all that barking is something else other than what is obvious.

Everyone should be aware that the UN has made significant contributions to improve our welfare especially during times of disaster or conflict, of which our local authorities failed to do so because they are focused on something else other than being proactive and capable during times of crisis.

Bridging the Gap for Better Workforce Management Operations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fujitsu Philippines, Inc., a leading information technology (IT) solutions integrator, recently ties up with Aspect Software, a provider of fully integrated consumer engagement, workforce optimization and self-service, solutions, to integrate its workforce management solutions to the existing Fujitsu cloud services in the country. 

The said partnership aims to optimize manpower industry in the country by introducing cloud-based platforms that feature intuitive dashboard-based UI; a centralized visibility into employee characteristics, preferences, schedules and performance; sophisticated forecasting algorithms that support multiple business objectives; and a simplified management of workforces across multiple sites and outsourced locations, among others. 

Photo caption: L-R: Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Head of Cloud Business – APAC, Aspect Software Inc.; Mr. Mark Pandy - Managed Services Business Unit Head, Fujitsu Philippines Inc.; Mr. Cricket Santiago, Chief Executive Officer, Fujitsu Philippines Inc.; Mr. Jagannath Narendran, Senior Vice President - APAC & Middle East, Aspect Software Inc.; Mr. Richard Loberas, Head of Sales – ASEAN & Korea, Aspect Software Inc.