Globe #StartNow Youth Summit Set to Educate and Empower Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe gathers students on January 30, 2015 at UP Diliman to learn how digital innovations can be used to create positive change

The continuing rise in smartphone penetration in the Philippines has allowed more individuals to get a hold of their own device and eventually learn to adapt a digital lifestyle – from social networking sites to various apps for efficiency. One’s mobile experience has immensely improved with tasks such as booking movies, restaurant seats, and even hailing cabs now having its corresponding apps for convenience.

With this fast-paced evolution, the youth now have more power than ever in their fingertips. Knowing how to maximize, adapt and embrace it the right way is what Globe Telecom advocates through the #StartNow Youth Summit. Set to be a venue for learning, the Youth Summit aims to immerse students in the latest digital trends, innovations, and applications, and further open their creative minds to innovate for the development of their future. The Youth Summit also focuses to inspire students and equip them with the tools to contribute to the greater good.

Globe #StartNow Youth Summit will be on January 30, 2015 at the University Theatre, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Open and free for all students, participants will be able to join various activities related to digital trends. One of the highlights is the plenary sessions headlined by select speakers specializing in different fields.

DOTC Signs Agreement For South Integrated Terminal System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An integrated transport hub will soon rise at the southern edge of the metropolis, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has signed the Concession Agreement for the South Integrated Transport System (ITS) with the winning concessionaire today.

“With the South ITS connecting different modes of transportation and services, we can guarantee the public more efficient and seamless transfers. It will also improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Metro Manila, as it will serve as a transfer point for provincial buses entering the metropolis,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The 35-year concession agreement with Arca South Integrated Terminal, Inc., which is fully owned by Ayala Land, Inc., was signed following the firm’s submission of the lowest annual grantor payment at P277.9 million and the fulfillment of all post-award requirements.

Construction is set to commence in September 2016. As a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) project, private sector efficiency can be expected once the hub is fully operational.

The South ITS is one of the intermodal facilities that will be the end-point for over 2,000 provincial buses currently entering Metro Manila daily, effectively decongesting main thoroughfares. Moreover, it will allow convenient in-city public transport transfers, as railway lines, city buses, taxis, and other public utility vehicles servicing inner Metro Manila will be made available.

The terminal will be situated in a 5.7-hectare plot of land in the FTI Compound along SLEX, and will be connected to the North-South Railway Project.

Top 10 Facts You Should Know About Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thousands of people all over the Metro waited and cheered at our Miss Universe of the Philippines. On Monday, January 25, 2016, was the grand homecoming parade of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Her parade float was inspired by her $300,000 Miss Universe crown. Blue was the color of the day, but she was wearing a green Filipiniana gown.

True enough, Pia shines as she waves to the people all around her float. The queen tirelessly waves from the Miss Universe float for several hours during the motorcade. The last time the Philippines saw a crowd like this was during the visit of the Pope. Now it is the homecoming of another P - Pia. It's almost the same majestic welcome for our Pambansang Kamao Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. "Like our boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (who is by the way another P), Pia unites our nation at a time when various issues divide us. Except that she comes in a prettier package."

"We're so happy to have an up close look with Queen Pia! What an amazing crowd in Ayala. The only parade which was supported and participated by thousands of employees of the Central Business District of the Philippines."

Pia is the third Filipina to win the title, ending a title drought of 42 years for the Philippines.
The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969.

Pia inadvertently won the most awkward Miss Universe moment in history after its host Steve Harvey wrongfully crowned Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as Miss Universe 2015. Gutierrez had to be decrowned on the live telecast to give way to the rightful queen.