Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

PhilBike Expo 2016 Wraps with Incredible Finish

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The PhilBike Expo, the only international-standard trade and consumer cycling show in the Philippines, closed its three-day weekend with an incredible demo from international powerhouses, Kenny Belaey, The Super Kids, and Viki Gómez held last November 25-27, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

Mutliple-World Championship rider, Kenny Belaey marveled audiences with a demonstration of “Balance” atop various obstacles inside the convention. He was followed by Japanese protégés, The Super Kids (14-year-old Yu Shoji and Takumi Isogai), who showed off their incredible flatland skills before a tremendous crowd. They were joined by their mentor, Flatland innovator & 3x flatland world champion, Viki Gómez. 2016 marks the Spaniard’s second trip to the Philippine islands where he returned to welcoming crowds who could not get enough of his gravity-defying skills.

In addition to its star-studded line-up featuring world-champion cyclists, the PhilBike-Expo was pleased to announce the arrival of Canadian Geoff Gulevich who began his career at the age of thirteen and rose to prominence as one of the best Mountain Bikers in the world. He is a highly-decorated risk-taker, known for his versatility and passion for the sport.

Adto 'mo Didto!: OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo comes to Cebu!

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As part of the 15th year anniversary of Ex-Link Events, the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo goes to Cebu for the first time! As a way of thanking its partners for the past 15 years, Ex-Link Events gives opportunities for home-based and community livelihood enterprises to exhibit at the Expo.

Partnering with various organizations, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Rotary Community Corps, Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc., and the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig (District 3800), this first leg of the Expo outside of the country’s capital is expected to be a grand showcase to a variety of products and services for everyone!

There's more to this year's Expo: We are raffling off trips to Asia and Europe and Negosyo Packages to visiting OFWs, Seafarers and Families - to register, text OFWSME <space> REG <space> Facebook Email <space> Full Name and send to 0917-810-8983! Terms and conditions apply.

See items and offerings that will suit your taste this holiday season at the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo this coming December 2 to 4, 2016, Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu.

The OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo is supported by the following sponsors Metrobank, Landbank, Cebuana Lhuillier, PLDT Home, Citibank, Brother Philippines, Orchard Property Management Corporation, Azalea Vacation Club and Megaworld.

Special thanks to media partners Buhay OFW, Rotary on Air, Light Network, EntrepTV, Star Music, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessMirror, InfoTxt, Asenso Pinoy, The Manila Times, Pisig Ad Network, Diary ni Gracia, PSST.ph, MetroCebu News, Wazzup Pilipinas, YuneOh, Sun.Star Cebu and WhatsHappening.com.ph.

For information, contact (02) 633-0153, 643-3887, 0920-924-2532, 0920-981-4376 or email info@exlinkevents.com.

5th Globe Media Excellence Awards – Mindanao Winners Announced

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Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom announced the winners of the 5th Globe Media Excellence Awards - Mindanao who have shown exemplary communication skills in promoting sustainable development and bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.

The awards covered media organizations in four major cities in the region namely General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao.The outstanding media professionals and digital media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held in Marco Polo Hotel on November 22. They bested 432 other entries in the 12 categories.

“The critical role of media organizations and online communities in forming and shaping public opinion makes it imperative for organizations like Globe to institutionalize an award-giving body that recognizes outstanding, incisive, and impactful reportage. We see GMEA as an opportunity to give back to our media friends and our blogger and influencer partners, the honor that they deserve as we collectively create a world that is purposive and wonderful,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President, Globe Corporate Communications during her opening remarks.

For this year, GMEA was anchored on Globe Telecom’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to help create a Wonderful Philippines. The winning entries did not only embody quality and relevant content but also focused on any or a combination of four areas such as care for environment, care for people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently revealed the first winners of its prestigious design competition, Asia Young Designer Award (A.Y.D.A) during the awarding ceremony held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Nippon Paint executives together with industry professionals, competition judges and guests attended the event to witness the gold winners of the Architecture and Interior Design category who will be representing the country in the regional grand competition slated early next year in Jogyakarta, Indonesia.

A.Y.D.A, formerly known as Nippon Paint Young Designer Award was re-launched this year to reflect its widening reach and its increasing significance to the design scene in Asia. From its debut with 87 entries solely from Malaysia, the competition has grown to collect over 3,500 entries from last year across 12 different countries, namely the Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong its place of origin Malaysia. This year, AYDA was extended to three additional countries, namely Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan. The design tilt was first opened in the Philippines in 2014.

This year, the combined number of entries for both Architecture and Interior Design totalled to over 1,200 submissions coming from 27 major institutions all over the country. With the theme “Be Bold. Be Free. Be You”, the young designers are challenged to produce new and refreshing concepts or designs that encapsulate boldness, freedom and originality.

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Season 3 of the hit survival series, Alone, premieres on December 14, every Wednesday at 9:00 pm on HISTORY.

The new season takes the series to the next level as the most qualified group of hardcore survivalists face new challenges unlike those seen in the past seasons as they put to the test their capability and ingenuity to survive in a remote South American region with one mission - to stay alive. There are no camera crews, no teams, and no gimmicks. At stake is a $500,000 cash prize awarded to the person who can last the longest.

Equipped only with limited gear, their wilderness experience, and cameras to self-document their journeys, these brave and self-confident 7 men and 3 women are completely separated from one another. To survive, they must hunt for food, find water, build shelters, and fend off deadlier predators, from wild boars to vicious rodents, while experiencing unpredictable weather conditions in a new and remote location.

The harsh conditions of the cold and isolated region of Patagonia in Argentina have made this the most dangerous season yet!

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Enteng Kabisote and The Abangers: Set To Save the World from Digital Menace

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In the tradition of offering family-friendly fare, Vic Sotto and his Dabarkads are back for another blockbuster fantasy-adventure movie based on the well-loved Pinoy pop culture icon! Kids are in for a treat as Bossing reprises his beloved role as Enteng Kabisote in the latest instalment of the movie series titled: Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers.

The comedy-adventure movie follows the reluctant hero in his latest fantastical escapade. Through hard work and determination, Enteng Kabisote has used his talent to “butingting everything” to become an ironworks and robotics magnate. Since his last adventure in Engkantasya, he has settled down to becoming a successful businessman, community leader, and a doting grandfather to his cute and bubbly grandchild Benokis, as his son Benok (Oyo Boy Sotto) tackles fatherhood and his duty as a law enforcer. Little does he know that trouble is brewing and he will be called on once again to save the world.

Enteng’s nemesis is Kwak-kwak (played by Epi Quizon), a power-obsessed villain who was booted out from Engkantasya. He has the capability to control minds who has launched a virtual reality game that transmits his mind control to anyone who plays it. The villainous plot is helped along by Bibi, Kwak-kwak’s devoted second-in-command and Bibe, his moronic but useful sibling, along with A1/ALLAN & A2/ALLAINE, the two creators of the viral game app which Kwak-Kwak uses as a channel to spread his psychic powers to control humankind.

Find Yourself a New PC Love this Warm and Fuzzy Season

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We had sort of a Speed Dating event during Microsoft's Find Your New PC Love event held on November 22, 2016 at the Happy Garden Cafe at the Sunshine Place along Jupiter street in Makati city.

The event was all about an effort to inform us that there are new PC devices that support Windows 10 and takes advantage of the new technologies available, plus the participation of leading laptop brands namely Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer and Asus.

We have to admit that our beloved PCs, whether it's a laptop or desktop eventually becomes slow and troublesome after a few years of usage. There will come a time that we need to replace them with a new faster and more powerful model using the latest technologies available. This means we would have to let go of the old and welcome the new especially when the old is no longer working as it was originally bought or if there's a new machine that can provide more convenience to us.

I have a lot of stories to tell you about the event but since I'm sort of busy right now because of weekend events, I couldn't work and edit on the videos I took at the event. I usually write, edit and/or upload videos during weekends but since I needed to attend events happening on both Saturday and Sunday, I've also posted the press release for the meantime so you get to hear about the news already, and will embed the video(s) about my actual experience as soon as I get some time to sit down and work on it.

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“Enteng Kabisote” will always be associated with Vic Sotto. Definitely, it’s one of the ace comedian’s most-loved characters on screen. Over the years, it has successfully built a cult following among a diverse range of viewers especially children. The material’s box-office appeal is like vintage wine which gets even better in the passing of times. That’s why there’s always a strong clamour to bring it back on the big screen, something that Vic granted this 2016 with “Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers” which is jointly produced by OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and M-Zet Production.

“Yes! I’m happy to pitch in to avid movie buffs the tenth installation of Enteng Kabisote on the big screen. I can say that it’s the grandest but hardest to mount, story and cast-wise. I’m hats-off to our directors Tony Y. Reyes and Marlon Rivera for coming up with a great entertaining film. They really did their best to make it another must-see just like its predecessors. Kudos to them! I’m very sure the public will love it,” he avers.

Many are curious how different the movie is from the previous Enteng materials.

“For one, we have to show something new considering that it’s our 10th sequel. Our loyal supporters deserve that. We made sure that the film will have a totally fresh look that even the so-called Millenials will get to appreciate it. The plot is very contemporary and there are a lot of scenes where they can relate well.

Preparing Students Towards a Gender-Sensitive Energy Sector

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Senior High School students of the Fort Bonifacio High School attended the ENEREADY: A Career Talk on Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Sector conducted by the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) led by Helen B. Arias on 24 November at the school’s auditorium in this City.

Based on the directive of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to strive towards equality, the DOE has intensified its ENEREADY Project to further promote gender balance and development in the energy sector.

“The mainstreaming of gender in the energy sector recognizes both men and women’s significant contributions by giving them equal opportunities,” Cusi said.

According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the female gender only represents 28% of the total enrollment in engineering and other technical courses from the period 2011-2016.

In an effort to balance the gender fulcrum in the sector, the DOE devised the project to encourage students to pursue a profession based on their passion, knowledge and skills, and not on gender stereotypes which limit technical careers to a certain gender.

Providing a first-hand experience story, the students were able to listen to the testaments of women working in the energy sector, namely: Engr, Martha Isabel S. Dealino of MERALCO, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, both electrical engineers; Engr. Arlyne Joy R. Pestana (Mining Engineer) and Engr. Pia Louren C. Gatinga (Petroleum Engineer) of DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau, who inspired them on the possible career options and job opportunities before deciding on a college course track.

Meanwhile, Engr. Eduardo B. Fernandez (Mechanical Engineer) of DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) discussed his experiences while working in the power industry for appreciation on the male gender perspective.

Recognizing the program’s significance towards a gender-balanced industry, the DOE has scheduled another career talk at the Bagong Bayan High School and General Pio Del Pilar High School on November 25 and 28, respectively.

The DOE will continue its gender and development advocacy to eradicate misconceptions and straighten out perceived labels of several occupations under the energy sector.

Photo Caption:

BREAKING GENDER STEREOTYPES: With Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi at the helm, the DOE continues to promote gender equality and gender development in the energy sector. DOE’s resource speaker for its ENEREADY project, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, asked the students about their perception on women working in the energy sector, which drew several responses. According to them, the energy sector is a man’s world and available jobs present more challenges to women than men.

Another Batch of Elementary Students are Energy Cost Busters

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Under Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi’s directive of consumer-centric service, the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) led by Helen B. Arias conducted another Energy Smart Kids – Consumer Education Campaign for the students of Nemesio I. Yabut Elementary School on 23 November at the DOE-Audio Visual Room in this City.

Cusi emphasized, "The Consumer Education Program shares information about energy efficiency and conservation to future leaders of this nation.”

“After all, if we aim for energy sustainability, we have to teach our youngsters first,” Cusi added.

As part of the campaign, various lectures and desk exercises were made to familiarize the students with energy-related terms.

In particular, Engr. Eduardo B. Fernando of the DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau oriented the students on Basic Electricity Concepts, including discussions on the power supply chain involving generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to consumers.

DOE-CWPO Senior Staff Norita C. Froilan gave a lecture about Household Energy Saving Tips to help the students reduce their electricity consumption at home in fulfilling their pledge as “Energy-Cost Buster.”

At the conclusion of the event, 50 grades five (5) and six (6) students took an oath as “Energy-Cost Buster” by committing to turn off lights and appliances when not in use; conserve electricity, water and other resources and help in the preservation of the environment.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Celebrates Three Decades of Making a Difference in Communities

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All over the Philippines, the iconic red and white logo of Coca-Cola always evokes a feeling of refreshing ice-cold beverages that can be enjoyed and shared with loved ones and friends to make meal times more special.

But in other parts of the nation, in remote villages where water is scarce, in communities where women are struggling to improve their household income, and in schools where students are suffering from poor health, Coca-Cola has been a refreshing sign of hope and progress, thanks to the various social responsibility programs of the company through their social responsibility arm – the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.

Since it was established in November 1986 as a manifestation of the commitment of Coca-Cola to corporate citizenship in the country, the Foundation has helped improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos through education, health, water sanitation, and livelihood programs. Through the Foundation, Coca-Cola has also provided emergency assistance during disasters and implemented various environmental conservation projects.

Celebrating 30 years of fulfilling the mission of providing sustainable growth and well-being in Filipino communities, the Foundation’s current programs this year are focused on enabling access to safe water in underserved, rural communities as well as providing education and development opportunities to the Filipino youth.

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Five superb athletes from Baguio City’s famed Team Lakay are set to make the familiar trek from the mountains of the Cordilleras down to the glitzy, urban jungle of Manila. Geje Eustaquio, Honorio Banario, Edward Kelly, Danny Kingad and April Osenio are all set to see action on the main card of ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION, which takes place at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, 2 December.

While the fighters are all highly-motivated and focused on winning their upcoming bouts, inspiration it seems can come not just from personal success but also from the success of a teammate.

Two weeks ago, senior Team Lakay fighter Eduard Folayang made ONE Championship history by becoming the first man to defeat Japanese MMA legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki since the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace signed on to the promotion in 2012. The victory earned Folayang the ONE Lightweight World Championship. It was Aoki’s first loss in four years.

“It was such a joy to watch my friend and brother win the title. I am happy for him. It is an amazing feeling because I know I was able to help him achieve his goals,” said Honorio Banario. “We always try to help each other in training, and we have improved a lot together.”

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Swing your Sunday late night viewing into high gear with two automotive reality shows, Big Easy Motors and Counting Cars Season 5, in Supercharged History which premieres December 4, Sundays starting at 10:00 pm.

Big Easy Motors highlights the work done by Charles Handler and his crew at The Bomb Factory, a New Orleans-based car service company that turns junk into custom cars. He searches all over Louisiana to look for classic vehicles not in good shape. He fixes them and restores them into as-good-as-new condition. Once the restorations are complete, he sells them in high-stakes auctions where he intends to make a huge profit if everything goes according to plan.

Big Easy Motors, part of Supercharged History, premieres December 4, Sundays at 10:00 pm

Counting Cars Season 5 chronicles the daily activities at Count's Kustoms, a Las Vegas-based automobile restoration and customization company owned and operated by Danny Koker. The series follows Koker and his all-star team as they restore and modify classic automobiles and motorcycles, and also documents the occasional conflict among his staff. For Koker and his crew, because every job is high stakes, they can't afford to lose.

Counting Cars S5, part of Supercharged History, premieres December 4, Sundays at 10:30 pm

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Airport Authorities Implement Traffic, Safety Measure This Holiday Season

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In anticipation of the heavy volume of passengers this Christmas, airport officials have laid down measures to ensure safety and convenience of passengers nationwide.

A slot management system is being enforced to make sure airlines depart as scheduled. The system has helped improve the on-time performance (OTP) of airlines, effectively reducing incidents of flight delays. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the OTP of airlines improved from 47% to 71% since the new administration took over.

A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people fetching passengers at the airport. Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal appealed to the public to refrain from turning arrival gates into a parking area.

"Kailangan po talaga magtulungan tayo dito," said Monreal at a press briefing today.

To improve the flow of traffic to and from the NAIA, Monreal said MIAA is now coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow passengers to pass through and decongest traffic especially along Andrews Avenue. Security issues are currently being discussed.

The MIAA is also hopeful that the stretch of NAIA Expressway covering Terminal 3 will open in December.

Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also reported that Legazpi, Dumaguete, Roxas, and Caticlan airports are now night-rated. Night landing capabilities will enable airports to accommodate flights after sunset.

In terms of safety and security of passengers, the MIAA will deploy an additional 97 security personnel at the NAIA. The PNP is also ready to augment the airport's security force should it become necessary.

Nine (9) suspects of "salisi" incidents in the NAIA were also presented to the media to show how serious authorities are in ensuring safety of passengers. Since January, a total of 57 "salisi" incidents were reported, wherein 20 have been apprehended.

Monreal also warned airport personnel from asking gifts and favors from passengers this Christmas.

"I have no problem with personnel greeting passengers a 'Merry Christmas,' as long as there is no intention to ask for gifts," he said.

For those who will be found guilty of the act, he warned: "Kapag may nanghingi ng regalo, hindi na yan aabot ng Pasko. Definitely may disciplinary action."

House of Representatives' Probe of Ronnie Dayan is Lowest of the Low - Hontiveros

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The House of Representatives hit a lowest of the low as the House Committee on Justice reopened its probe into the narcotics trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during Senator Leila De Lima's stint as justice secretary. It was not an investigation in aid of legislation. It was a public lynching in aid of misogyny and sexism.

The intention was clear. Members of the committee were grossly unparliamentary. Their derogatory line of questioning did not aim to shed light on the issue of the drug trade in our prisons. They were meant to humiliate and shame Senator De Lima for her association with a certain man, or her past relationship.

It is very frustrating that in this day and age, the integrity and reputation of women can be undermined by unreasonable, traditional and conservative expectations of women's conduct in romantic and even sexual relationships. It is even more shameful that this nation's supposed leaders, elected representatives of the Filipino people, made the shaming of women a political strategy and a spectacle in the "honorable" chambers of Congress.

Even the very premise of focusing on Sen. De Lima's past relationship reeks of elitism. It assumes that people of a certain social and political stature shouldn't or couldn't enter into relationships with people belonging to a different social class, and should be the subject of ridicule.

It is not surprising that there is a surge in the number of sexual harassment cases against our women both online and off. The dishonorable behavior of our lawmakers has reinforced this despicable culture since the beginning of these investigations.

I join Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel Jr. and my other fellow Senators in calling on the members of the HoR to observe and respect the principles of co-equality and inter-chamber courtesy even with their issuance of a show cause order to Sen. De Lima. It is prudent for both the House and the Senate to first conclude their respective inquiries on the issue.

Lastly, I urge the House of Representatives, specifically House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to reign in its members and stop them from resorting to sexist and misogynistic attacks against another elected public official. If they are confident that they have real and tangible evidence against Senator De Lima, then let the evidence speak for itself. That is the only way for the Lower House to recover from this plunge into new and unparalleled lows.

Photo: Ronnie Dayan from CNN Philippines