Twitter, Globe and Smart to Provide Daily Entertainment Updates to over 120 Million Mobile Phone Subscribers in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It may not be the first time I've seen the two telcos (Globe and Smart) together in one project, but it is still very rare. I have to commend them for being able to have them show up for a photo ops to support this latest innovation from one of the most widely used, if not top, social media network in the country.

Twitter just launched Twitter Lite in the Philippines. This is the third country in Southeast Asia that they launched the app which is a smaller version of the well-loved Twitter. The aim here is to provide consumers access to a similar

Fitness Leaders, Trainers Convene to Spur Fitness Growth and Professionalism at FitCon MNL 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fitness enthusiasts and professionals from around the Philippines and South East Asia came to FitCon MNL 2018 – a three-day fitness industry event held at Green Sun Makati from May 18 to 20.

The fitness convention – the biggest in the country to date – brought 16 industry leaders in fitness and wellness from around the globe. Through more than 60 interactive workshops, attendees learned about the latest in sport science, nutrition and client interaction to help them build successful careers in health and wellness.

Fitness icons and experts who shared their expertise with participants were:Merrithew™ Lead Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES® and Total Barre® Vivian Zapanta, author and diet coach to the stars Nadine Tengco, fitness educator Glenn Ang of Singapore, director of Australian Strength Performance Benjamin Siong, international performance coach Mark Laws, master trainer of Body Art Garnet Suidy, Zumba Education Specialist Prince Paltu-Ob, head of PILOXING Asia Connie Colson and COO of Powerhouse Fitness Club Tony Howett, among others.

Among the highlights of the convention was an Activity Zone that was open to the public where guests could join group exercise classes conducted by Master Trainers for BOSU®, TriggerPoint, Zumba,STOTT PILATES®, Hedstrom Fitness and bodyART.

An exhibit area surrounding the zone introduced experts and enthusiasts to some of the best health and fitness brands currently in the Philippine market.

Now on its second year, the event was conceptualized and organized by Dynamic Duo Inc., a partnership between sports science professionals Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin that aims to provide fitness education for individuals to become leaders in the field of fitness and sports training and empower coaches to achieve their maximum potential in their respective fields.

When asked what the impetus was to start FitCon MNL, Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin shared that working in Dubai taught them the value of continuing education in the fitness industry. “We realized that there were a lot of other Filipino trainers coming in with 10, even 20 years of experience. But they often lacked certifications, and without that, they couldn’t be paid as much as others in the field. So we started FitCon MNL to help make fitness professionals from the Philippines globally competitive.”

Several delegates who come from Anytime Fitness – Mall of Asia attended the first run of the convention in 2017. When asked why they decided to attend this year’s FitCon MNL, they unanimously said, “We get to learn so much through this event. With speakers like Ben Siong [the director of Australia Strength Performance], we get updated on the latest in fitness, and that helps us with our jobs. It’s definitely helped give our branch an edge.”

Dan Duran, Executive Vice President of PTA Global, a global leadership and personal training development company from Denver, Colorado said he returned to the Philippines to speak at FitCon MNL because “It’s truly a pleasure to be back at FitCon MNL. Once again, it’s a very well-run convention full of hungry and passionate fitness professionals.” Commenting on FitCon MNL’s attendees, he said, “These trainers have it figured out; the more you learn the more you earn, and the better you can help people.”

Fitcon MNL 2018 is envisioned to be an annual event to spur the growth of fitness professionalism, fitness education and the industry.

CAAP Employees in 16 PH Airports Drug-free

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) employees from 16 major airports around the country tested negative to drugs.

In line with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug efforts and as part of DOTr and CAAP’s campaign for a drug-free workplace, the agency’s Office of the Flight Surgeon and Aviation Medicine (OFSAM) conducted random drug testing from February 7 to May 4 this year where 2,187 employees from the 16 airports took part.

The drug tests are done yearly in accordance to Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as the Civil Service Commission’s memorandum circular 13 (series of 2010), calling for a drug-free workplace, and the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulation on Psychoactive Testing and Reporting that requires drug testing on airport personnel.

Among the major airports tested were Davao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport in which 298 and 264 CAAP employees respectively, tested negative to illegal drugs.

The rest of the 16 participating airports include: Tuguegarao Airport (86), Laoag International Airport (107), Cebu-Mactan International Airport (93), Kalibo International Airport (136), Dumaguete Airport (83), General Santos International Airport (136), Puerto Princesa International Airport (153), Zamboanga International Airport (127), Iloilo International Airport (260), Tagbilaran Airport (108), Plaridel Airport (52), Tacloban Airport (121), Roxas Airport (72), and Surigao Airport (91).

The random drug tests are also in accordance to CAAP’s mission of ensuring a safe, secure, and green Philippine skies.

“We remain true to our commitment to rid our workplace of people not only involved in corruption, but also in drugs. Ayaw ng Pangulo ‘yan. Ayaw natin yan. Such illegal activities shall not be tolerated under our watch. Pasensyahan tayo kung mahuli kayo,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The aviation regulator manages 86 airports nationwide while four others are controlled by other airport authorities—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Subic Bay International Airport, Clark International Airport and Cebu-Mactan International Airport.

As the Philippines’ aviation safety oversight mechanism, CAAP is responsible for providing safe and efficient air transport and regulatory services in the country. Stationed at the Old MIA Road in Pasay City and in 12 area centers around the Philippines, CAAP employs approximately 6000 employees.