Carter Work Project in Nepal Canceled Due to Fuel and Essential Supplies Shortage

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Habitat for Humanity International regrets to announce the cancellation of this year’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, formerly scheduled to take place November 1-6, 2015, in the Chitwan District of Nepal.

As reported by news media, Nepal has been experiencing civil unrest due to the country’s recent announcement of its new constitution. Habitat has been closely monitoring the situation and new circumstances have proven to be safety risks for volunteers and staff. Currently, many goods and materials coming into the country—including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and cooking fuel, as well as food and medical supplies—have been halted or slowed to a critical point, hindering Habitat’s capacity to effectively and safely execute the planned project.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy located in Kathmandu today issued a message recommending travelers evaluate any upcoming plans in Nepal, stating that due to the nationwide fuel shortage and blockages at the border, “many of the safety measures that would normally be relied on in an emergency situation may become unavailable.”

“I am saddened that we have had to cancel this year’s Carter Work Project,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “It's the first time in 32 years that we have found ourselves in such a position. However, the severity of the shortages has proven to be insurmountable and given the circumstances, we would not be able to guarantee volunteer care and safety. Additionally, a large-scale event like this would only take away precious local resources already in short supply. This has been a difficult decision, but it is the responsible thing to do. We are grateful to our supporters and ask for their understanding and patience at this time.”

AVESILLA: A Plight of Furniture Design Through the Philippine Avifauna

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Experience to soar high in this year’s Furniture Design Exhibit of the BS Interior Design Students from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as they break free from their shells and showcase eighteen (18) prototypes of artistic and ingenious furniture translations of the distinct Philippine Avifauna in Cassia Alata forms.

AVESILLA The Plight of Furniture Design through the Philippine Avifauna

The Exhibit shall run from October 17 thru 31, 2015 at the Interior Zone, SM City North Edsa, Quezon City.
See you all there!

Strong Tourist Influx, Economic Growth Spur Serviced Apartment Developments

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The recent years have witnessed an upswing in the tourism industry. According to Colliers International’s Second Quarter 2015 Research and Forecast Report on the Philippines, the number of foreign arrivals to the country improved in the first five months of 2015, with year-to-date 2015 figures representing an 8.15% rise from the same period in 2014.

With this trend is the growing need to improve the quality of destinations and the availability of more accommodations in more parts of the country. Of particular note is the entry of a new kind of accommodation: the serviced apartment — a fully-furnished apartment with amenities usually available in hotels. It is a cheaper alternative to hotels, making it ideal for both short and long term stays.

“The booming economy equals new businesses, which equals to more executives looking for efficient places to live in the central business districts in the Philippines,” said Andrew Sparrow, Development Director for Dusit Thani Residences Davao.

Dusit Thani Residences Davao is Dusit International’s bid to add to the serviced residences options in the Philippines. The international hotel brand has recently opened its showroom for Dusit Thani Residences Davao. This is the first Dusit Thani Residences in Asia-Pacific, as the company’s other serviced apartments are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The property is scheduled for turnover in 2018.