DOE Spurs Energy Sector Typhoon Readiness

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DoE) yesterday kicked into high gear to ensure appropriate contingency measures and response mechanisms are in place to minimize the adverse impact of Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) on energy infrastructure and people’s lives.

Acting through the inter-agency Task Force on Energy Resiliency, Energy Secretary Alfonso G.  Cusi directed energy industry players to secure the safety of personnel and facilities, as well as the strategic supply of power and oil.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Ompong is expected to cross the area of Northern Luzon after entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday afternoon.

“We directed the energy family and the industry players, particularly those who will be hit by the typhoon based on the forecast, to monitor and report the situation in their respective areas of responsibility,” Sec. Cusi said.

Cusi also advised them to undertake precautionary measures and adopt established safety protocols, contingency and action plans to prepare for the onslaught.

The DOE and the Philippine Information Agency are continuously releasing #ESafety tips to guide consumers on the safe utilization of energy in times of emergency.

Some #ESafety tips to observe during typhoons include:

•preparing fully charged flashlights, moving electrical equipment to higher ground, turning off electrical switches, and unplugging electric appliances before evacuating to safer places

•after the storm, consumers are advised to avoid downed and drowned electric posts and wires, wear safety gear such as rubber boots and gloves, have their electrical system tested by licensed electricians, and check the fuse of their main switch before turning it on.

Get a Free Star Wars: Jedi Challenges with Select Lenovo Legion Laptops

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lenovo, a global leader in PCs and smart devices, is currently having a promo that is sure to please gamers and Star Wars fans alike. Until supplies last, every purchase of selected Legion gaming laptops will now come with a free Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges augmented reality (AR) bundle.

The Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges bundle is Lenovo’s first foray into the AR gaming space. Launched last year, the gaming bundle features a smartphone-powered Lenovo Mirage AR headset, Tracking Beacon, a Lightsaber controller that looks exactly like the one in the films, and hours of Star Wars gameplay.

With the Jedi Challenges main game, players can hone their Jedi talents across a variety of augmented reality-based experiences, each offering multiple levels of deep and immersive gameplay. 

Some of its game features include:

·         Lightsaber Battles.  With their own lightsaber controller, players can duel legendary dark side villains like Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, and Darth Vader.

·         Strategic Combat. Players marshal the forces of the Republic, Rebel Alliance, and   Resistance against the might of the Separatists, Empire, and First Order in epic battles across their living room floors. Players can hone their skills in strategy and tactics as they engage in battles.

·         Holochess. Perhaps one of the most iconic board games brought to film, Holochess captured the hearts of moviegoers when it was played on the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars™: Episode IV - A New Hope™. Brought to life in Jedi Challenges, fans can direct their holographic alien pieces across the board, wrestling for territory and control.

“We see tremendous opportunity to continue bringing cutting-edge innovations to the gaming community in the Philippines. Beyond PC gaming, Lenovo is also increasing its foothold in developing immersive AR experiences, as seen in Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges. We will continue to excite Filipino gamers with the best-performing devices,” saidMichael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager.

Included in the list of participating Legion products is the Legion Y520. With its 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti 4GB discrete graphics, it can handle graphics-heavy games with ease. It comes up to 2TB HDD storage, 2 x 2W Harman™ Certified Speakers with Dolby Audio™ Premium, and an optional backlit keyboard, wrapped in a smudge-resistant body. It is only 25.8 mm thick and weighs a mere 2.4 kg, making it a perfect gaming laptop for on-the-go players. The Y520 is available at major electronics stores with a starting price of ₱64,995.

Other Legion laptops that will be bundled with Star Wars™: Jedi Challenges include:

·         Legion Y520

·         Legion Y720 Cube

·         Legion Y710 Cube

There will also be gaming devices not part of the Legion lineup but will included in the promo:

·         IdeaPad Y700

·         Y70-70 Touch

PHILBEX Cebu 2018 Opened its Doors to a Sustainable Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now on its 16th year, PHILBEX Cebu affirms its commitment to the lead the region’s construction and design industry into a future of sustainability and progressive innovation with another ground breaking instalment. Officially opening its doors last September 13 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall, the grand launch for the highly-anticipated trade event was well-attended by select VIP personalities from the government as well as representatives from the construction and design trade.

Among those who graced the momentous occasion and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were, Mr. Mario Montejo, Mr. Miguel Antonio Magpale, Idr. Ryan James Mantuhac, Dr. Herbert Buot and Ms. Herley Ann Herrera with Worldbex Services International’s Joseph L. Ang, Levi Ang, Archt. Francisco Flameño, Jr.,Rene Ramos and Jill Aithnie Ang.

Towards a self-sustaining future

Led by theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu aims to unite architects, engineers, interior designers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts in its endeavor to promote the value of ingenuity and innovation in shaping the industry into one that is self-sustaining and adaptive to the ever-evolving demands of the times. Furthermore, as PHILBEX Cebu moves closer to its Silver Anniversary, this year’s theme also aligns itself with the organization’s core thrust of leading the region’s construction and design trade at the forefront of global ascendance.

Unsurprisingly, the industry has eagerly expressed its trust and full support for the goals and aspirations of PHILBEX Cebu 2018 as evidenced by the impressive number of participants taking part in the four-day trade event. From last year’s 105 booths, PHILBEX Cebu 2018 houses over 120 booths and over 78 exhibitors across its 1,158sqm-wide exhibition space.

Apart from various local exhibitors, something new to watch out for at this year’s PHILBEX Cebu are the roster of international exhibitors from countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. No doubt a testament to the growing global reach and influence of PHILBEX Cebu, industry professionals and investors are expected to benefit from this year’s show as it offers everyone a unique opportunity to tap into a foreign network. It would come as no surprise if PHILBEX Cebu 2018 easily outnumbers its previous visitor count of 28,000 show attendees.


Upholding value-laden strategies

PHILBEX Cebu may be highly-regarded for showcasing the most extensive display of the latest and most outstanding product and service innovation from the market but its compelling line-up of signature events is what truly sets the show apart from its contemporaries. And this year is no different as it returns to deliver another insightful range of event highlights.

Among these include the Architect’s Gallery, a venue that showcases the unique design perspectives and insights into the latest trends by the region’s top architects and their respective firms. Participating at this year’s show are Abadia Architects and Designers, Archiglobal, Inc., Nueast, Arkitecture, Pont Architectural + Design Studio, the Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

Another highly-anticipated PHILBEX Cebu event is the Projéto Cebu Furniture Design Competition. Now on its 3rd edition, Projéto engages participants with the challenge of creating a studio-type condominium unit that will address a student’s need for a relaxing and work-conducive haven. This year, the shortlisted participants are students from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, the University of San Carlos-Safad, and the University of San Carlos-Talamban.

This year, PHILBEX Cebu is also thrilled to return with the PHILBEX MiniCons. Considered as a platform for the free-flowing exchange of information about innovative solutions that will address issues that concern the industry, the PHILBEX MiniCons is an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to expand their knowledge and get acquainted with likeminded individuals.

The PHILBEX MiniCons 2018 kicked off with the 3rd General Membership Meeting and Technical Seminar of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) last September 13 while another General Membership Meeting (GMM) for the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations Inc. (CREBA) will be held on September 14. Most notably, on September 15 to 16, the PHILBEX MiniCons in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter will present the Business of Interior Design Conference.


Nurturing an empowered community

Over the years, PHILBEX Cebu, in partnership with Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter, has championed the value of interior design in the construction of spaces through the longstanding Interior Designers Gallery. By hosting this year’s PIID – VisMin caravan, PHILBEX Cebu affirms its commitment to nurture Visayan interior design.

Viewed as direct actualizations of the various goals that PHILBEX Cebu have for each of its edition, these highlights serve to engage industry practitioners in relevant discussions and activities that will further the growth and development of the community. As stated by IDr. Joan S. Reyes, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Panay Chapter, PHILBEX Cebu marks the “mutual effort to equip the professionals with learning tools in undertaking a higher set of responsibilities as our nation pursue the mandate to building infrastructures.”

Indeed, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu is shaping up to be the show’s biggest and most ambitious installment yet. As captured best by the remarks of IDr. Shiela Sandino-Gumba, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Eastern Visayas Chapter, PHILBEX Cebu 2018 “presents a preview of the future for industry professionals in the field of construction and interior design.”

Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 16th PHILBEX will run until September 16, from 10am to 8pm, at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Admission is free. For more information, follow Worldbex Services International on Facebook and @worldbex on Instagram, call (02) 656-9239, or email info.worldbex@gmail.com.