Catching Up With Doodle Art’s Mabby Triviño

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

In 2014, Mabby Triviño was chosen as the Philippine representative for the Red Bull Doodle Art Global Finals. The then-19-year-old artist was among 28 other participants who had made it to Cape Town, South Africa that year. The experience not only expanded her capabilities but also established her as a professional artist.

Now 22-years-old, Mabby Triviño is now art director working in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines. She is among the country’s rising graphic designers and artists. With the next installment of Doodle Art coming up, we decided to catch up with Mabby in her find out her thoughts on Doodle Art, her creative process and the art scene in the Philippines.

Do you still doodle?

Working as an Art Director in an advertising agency, I doodle during long meetings or brainstorming sessions where I allow my mind to wander. If I’m lucky, these doodles give birth to interesting campaign ideas.  Whenever I doodle, I like to finish them the same day I started on them. The reason behind this is because my doodles are thoughts during those moments which were just translated on paper.

What are your thoughts about the Red Bull Doodle Art?

What I love about the Red Bull Doodle Art is that it doesn't box an artist. This type of art is an expression without restrictions. All it asks is for you to let your mind run wild, let your creative juices flow, and doodle your heart out.

How would you describe the Red Bull Doodle Art 2014 journey from start to finish?

The entire journey was nothing but inspiring and fulfilling. Since it was just a few days after my college graduation, the opportunity to travel and experience the Red Bull Doodle Art journey was an excellent “growing up gift.” Before my trip to Cape Town, I did tons of research about it just like any nervous tourist would. I remember my parents, specifically my mom, being so scared that her 19-year- old daughter would be going to Africa alone and with no companion. The pressure and anxiousness all sank in when I was at the check-in counter of the airport and realized that I was completely alone for the first time. I got over the jitters by taking a deep breath and telling myself that I could do it.

As soon as I landed in the Design Capital of the World, I knew that it was going to be a trip of a lifetime which is why I made sure that I cherished every moment of it: from the Fire and Ice- themed hotel (with the super duper cozy bed) with a view of Table Mountain, to the Red Bull Global Gallery, and the moment where I bonded with other doodlers from all over the world which quickly became my good friends up until now. The experiences I have gained from this journey have all the more ignited my love for both art and traveling.

What are you looking forward to most in this year’s Red Bull Doodle Art?

I’m looking forward to seeing student artists who are just as eager and enthusiastic as I was when I was in their position. I bet right now they’re in this phase of contemplating whether to join or not or if they’re making the right decision. I’m excited to see those who took that same leap of faith as I did because in my experience, it was definitely worth it!

What do you want to say to the students thinking of submitting their doodles this year?

Go crazy and enjoy the journey! These are the very few moments where you don’t have to be constantly conscious about restrictions; life as a student is full of that already so don’t let doodling be one. Take a break from the stress of school work and let your mind take you places. You never know where you’ll end up! Lastly, leave all your worries, insecurities, and expectations behind. Whether you win or not, you have nothing to lose but so much to gain. Trust that this journey you are about to take will be a wild but memorable one that’ll make you an even better artist! Good luck! :)

To check out Mabby Triviño’s work, visit https://www.behance.net/mabbytrivino

For more information on Doodle Art, participating countries and how to submit your artwork, visit www.redbulldoodleart.com.

#doodleart

Cusi to Transco: Use Gov't Assets to Lower Power, Internet Rates

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Not at the expense of the truth and to the detriment of the public interest.

This was the unstated message of Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi when he ordered today the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) to maximize the utilization of the fiber optic assets of the power transmission facilities to lower electricity and Internet rates.

“At the onset of this administration, we repeatedly requested the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), through TransCo, to provide the details on how we can take full advantage of their fiber optic assets embedded in the grid,” said Cusi.

“I have personally asked the officials of NGCP to provide such status report, because we want to make the internet services in the country faster and more reliable with the help of our transmission facilities,” he said.

Cusi pointed out that the availability and readiness of the fiber optic assets on the transmission system could improve the electricity services of the NGCP and reduce the cost of electricity and the national broadband project.

However, the DOE as well as TransCo have yet to receive an update from the NGCP amid the sudden proliferation of full page paid print advertisements and repeated pronouncements over the media to support the government’s broadband and grid interconnection projects.

“While we are waiting for NGCP’s data and proposals on the project, there's a need to clarify the impressions that are being projected by NGCP that it is voluntarily, willing and able to provide these services for the benefit of the public," Cusi said.

Amid the apparent disregard of NGCP of the request, Cusi directed TransCo to audit the NGCP’s work program and below are the initial yet detailed findings of the company:

a) In 2012, NGCP rejected the request of the National Government for the use of spare fiber for the Integrated Government Philippines (IGovPhils) Project;

b) Concealment of a contract involving the use of the national government’s transmission assets (substations, high voltage towers/poles, and high-voltage transmission lines) as a telecommunications backbone; and

c) Decommissioning and dismantling of a separately installed Fiber Optic Network used by major telecommunications companies.

Moreover, as the owner of the transmission facilities, TransCo has been instructed by Cusi to spearhead the move for the utilization of the fiber optic assets for cheaper and faster IT services as well as to lower the price of electricity.

The DOE oversees TransCo, which is mandated to protect the national government’s interests by ensuring NGCP’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the Concession Agreement and the policies of the State. Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the NGCP was awarded the sole Concession Agreement for the country’s transmission system in 2009.

“At the end of the day, what we would like to achieve is that the consuming public would benefit from all the government deals and activities, thus we are exploring and exhausting all the potentials of the transmission system as a government-owned asset,” Cusi said.

"At the same time, the department will not hesitate to file cases against abuses or any violation of the contract which maybe discovered and proven after further investigation of the NGCP's operations and its activities," he concluded.

‘No Sacred Cows’ Says Cusi on ERC Chair’s Suspension

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi emphasized today that the preventive suspension of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chair Jose Vicente Salazar is yet another example that there are no “sacred cows” in the Duterte administration.

While preventive in nature and not yet a penalty, the suspension of Salazar by the Office of the President should pave the way for an impartial and objective investigation of corruption allegations raised against him, said Cusi.

“As the President has said, tabla-tabla tayo when it comes to dealing with corruption allegations. Allergic ang Pangulo sa kurapsyon, so it’s not enough not to be tainted -- one must also be perceived to be clean,” said Cusi.

The Energy chief said he expects the Energy family to get past the issue stronger and more resolute in keeping its mandate to provide affordable and sustainable power to the general public.

“Corruption adds to the cost of everything. That being said, it is but proper that all allegations of wrongdoings are properly investigated. Tamaan na ang tatamaan,” said Cusi.

Nonetheless, Cusi said any and all investigations are also avenues for the accused to clear their names.

Cusi said the rule of law must always prevail and gave special mention to the equal protection of the law clause of the Constitution when it comes to facing criminal, civil or administrative charges.

“I expect fair treatment of all officers and workers in government,” said Cusi. “The suspension is a means to give way to a fair investigation of the issues being thrown at Chairman Salazar, " Cusi declared.