Government Moves To Ensure Benefits Of Continued Power Supply

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Government, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF), reinforces efforts for Mindanaoans to enjoy the benefits of reliable and continuous supply of electricity.

The IATFSEF fast-tracks resolution of the right-of-way (ROW) issues to strengthen collaboration among national agencies and law enforcers to facilitate restoration of transmission tower no. 25, which remains isolated since the rehabilitation crew is being denied access by the claimants/landowners. The situation has impeded Agus Hydroelectric Plant Units 1 & 2 from supplying about 80 megawatts of cheaper power to Mindanao consumers and providing reliable power supply reducing, if not eliminating, rotating brownouts.

Apart from the provision of inexpensive power from hydro, the IATFSEF is exhausting all means to immediately return the benefits of host communities from the sale of the electricity from Agus 1 & 2. Under the Energy Regulations 1-94, host communities of Power generating facilities are granted a share of P0.01/kWh of electricity sales to be used for projects that will uplift the living conditions of the communities.

If the transmission tower remains unrepaired, this will result in unutilized electric power generated from Agus 1 & 2, depriving people in affected areas of their entitlement to undertake potential projects; such as, electrification, livelihood, health benefits (i.e., ambulance, clinic equipment), social infrastructures (i.e., roads, sports court), and reforestation, among others.

Goto Monster: Inside That Hole-In-The-Wall is a Gastronomic Giant

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I used to help out my uncle in his Goto business when I stayed for awhile in Pasig at my "Mama" who is my grandmother's youngest sister so I sort of have an idea how its run and managed. It was a time when I stopped my college days because of financial problems due to the separation of my parents. I could even still remember how I ask customers what they like to put in their "lugaw," "goto," or "arroz caldo."

Until now, I couldn't still remember the differences of the three varieties of the same porridge-based delicacy that is best eaten either on it's own or with "tokwa't baboy" or what we know as tofu and fried pork together with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar and some sugar together with chopped onions. Though the porridge can be eaten with very little added ingredients, we have a choice whether to put hard-boiled eggs or the "tuwalya" or a particular kind of pork meat part called trife into our porridge. Some would put chicken or pork meat or even the chicken feet which is a favorite of many Filipinos.

I like mine with chicken, hard boiled eggs and the "tokwa't baboy" as a regular side dish. Sometimes I would eat it along with "lumpia" or spring rolls, while others can choose puto or rice cakes but I guess that's a better match for the "dinuguan" or pork blood stew.

I know that this kind of business is very profitable which is why they have popularized the term "tubong lugaw" because you can do things to the "goto" to maximize your earnings.However, it sacrifices the quality by masquerading the "goto" with spices or condiments like soy sauce and pepper. But the owners of Goto Monster says she makes sure the food they serve are top quality and not the usual type of servings that are only meant to increase profit earnings.

Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Chinese New Year Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Chinatown Lai lai Hotel celebrated Chinese New Year with a big bang as several programs along with talent competitions entertained both local business owners and residents, as well as the numerous visitors from all over the Philippines and even from other countries, on the eve of the Chinese New Year fro 2016.

Not to be missed out are the many dragon dances all over Chinatown Binondo. In fact, on my way to the hotel for their media event were many dragons of all shapes, sizes and colors. Chinese people often use the term “Descendants of the Dragon” as a sign of ethnic identity. They are often seen on festive celebrations especially the start of the Chinese New year.

The Dragon has always been the highlight of the celebration and represents power, wisdom, and wealth.. The Dragon Dance performed on New Year's Day scares away the evil spirits and all the bad luck with them.

I passed a couple of them on my way to the location of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel in the corner of Ongpin and Padilla streets in Binondo, Manila so I was surprised that these similar dragon dances have been occurring for the entire day.