Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Manila Makes History This August With First-Ever History Con

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Join your favourite HISTORY stars at the first-of-its-kind event with interactive experiences, on-ground activities and exhibits

Date: 25 – 28 August 2016
Location: World Trade Center Manila
Website: HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon
Official event hashtag #HistoryCon

FB: https://www.facebook.com/historyasia
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HistoryAsia
IG: http://www.instagram.com/HistoryAsia

Video links:
https://www.facebook.com/HISTORYasia/videos/10154400218013754/
https://www.facebook.com/HISTORYasia/videos/10154435645273754/

Talent Line-Up

ANCIENT ALIEN: Giorgio A.Tsoukalos
STORAGE WARS: Brandi Passante & Jarrod Schulz
GANGLAND UNDERCOVER: Damon Runyan & Ian Matthews
CELEBRITY CAR WARS: Bobby Tonelli, Joey Mead King, KC Montero, Marc Nelson, Gaby Dela Merced
PHOTO FACE OFF: Justin Mott

1) HISTORY Con Opening Ceremony & Press Conference: 25 August, Thursday
2) HISTORY Con Closing Ceremony: 28 August, Sunday

Events On-Ground

HISTORY’s Digital Host Talent Search

Can you out-crazy the craziest of hosts? You could be HISTORY’s next digital star! Submit a video of yourself reviewing one of our shows on @HistoryAsia’s Facebook page with the hashtag, #HistoryConAuditions. Come join us at the live finals on Sunday, 28 Aug at HISTORY Con!

Cosplay Contests

Come dressed at your favourite characters from HISTORY’s hit shows, from Pawn Stars to Vikings or rock your leather ensemble and strut in your best biker get-up. Register with us at the entrance for your chance to enter and you could win attractive prizes. May the best cosplayer win!

HISTORY Bee

Think you know your history? Local middle school and universities in Metro Manila have been invited to take part in the HISTORY Bee Inter-school Competition, a quiz based competition where the winning school will be crowned HISTORY Bee School Champion in Manila.

World Record Week III

HISTORY attempts to break the 3 world records at HISTORY Con

· The longest TV-watching marathon - currently set at 94 hours
· The most number of Quarter Pounders consumed in 1 minute
· The largest serving of Garlic Mushrooms

3D Experiences

Take an immersive experience into the Solar System with Titans of Space and into the wild jungles of HISTORY’s hit-series, ALONE.

Special historical exhibits

· Philippine Presidential Limousine displays
· WWII Reenactments

Tournaments & Demos

· Weaponry & Blade demonstrations
· Boxing Matches
· Wrestling Demonstrations

Public Interest Groups Weigh in on Telco Deal

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Public interest groups weigh in on telco deal and calls on new government regulator to review impact on consumers.

The biggest telecommunications acquisition in the country draws deep concern as consumer welfare and public interest groups demand transparency after the telecom duopoly sought shelter in the courts from review by the country’s independent anti-trust body.

In a forum organized by the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) and the Philippine chapter of Internet Society (ISOC PH), and hosted by the Ateneo School of Government (AsoG), groups said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) should both take a closer look at the acquisition of assets involving the 700Mhz frequency band.

ASoG Dean Ron Mendoza said there needs to be evidence-based discussions between the public and private sector to improve the competition environment in the country citing the merger as an important first-test case for the Competition Law of the country. The independent anti-trust body is currently reviewing the P69-billion sale of Vega Telecoms, San Miguel Corporation’s telecom business, to Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc.

The two firms have brought the matter before the Court of Appeals. The appellate court’s 6 th division earlier denied Globe's petition to stop the PCC review. “We want a more competitive telecom industry so that Filipinos enjoy innovative and fast and reliable internet services at affordable prices and high network quality.” said Grace Mirandilla-Santos, an independent researcher specializing in telecommunications.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The final day of the ACSC/APF 2016 examined the progress and efficacy of ASEAN and its mechanisms in achieving a people-centered community.

H.E. Mr. Xanana Gusmao, Minister of Strategic Investment in Timor-Leste, engaging participants in an open dialogue, commented on the historical importance of ASEAN as a people’s movement, stating: “When Timor-Leste was suffering and the rest of the world had forsaken it, international civil society, ASEAN civil society, stood with us.”

Minister Gusmao also discussed the ongoing need for civil society to monitor and restrain the actions of the state, keeping the state accountable. To this end, he said, “We must celebrate the success of ASEAN…but we must have a growing sense of solidarity and plan of action for the future.”

Minister Gusmao concluded his address with a request for solidarity from ASEAN civil society, once again, in checking the actions of government. “I ask of you one last thing. The Timorlese have a final struggle to achieve our sovereignty. Determining our maritime boundaries is a matter of sovereignty. It is the final step in our struggle. We fought for sovereignty over our land, and now we are fighting for sovereignty over our seas.”