Cusi Firm on Review of ECs to Achieve Lasting Solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today emphasized the unwavering resolve of the Department to look into the issues plaguing electric cooperatives (ECs), and create the appropriate long-term solutions that would enable them to afford their customers the best services.

Sec. Cusi said, "We have to do the right thing for our country at all times. We cannot turn a blind eye to the pressing need for improved access and quality electricity services in some parts of the Philippines."

"We understand that there will be parties who might resist the required reforms. However, as public officials, we cannot and should not be deterred by any threat that aims to derail us from performing our duties to the Filipino people," he stressed.

The Secretary added that the cooperation and inputs of ECs are crucial to the successful resolution of the deep-seated problems besetting cooperatives for many years.

"We continue to ask the ECs and their leadership not to politicize this process, which only seeks to transform the state of electrification in the country to foster growth needed to significantly improve the lives of our countrymen," Sec. Cusi concluded.

FEU Film Wins at Singkuwento as Festival Goes to UP

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A short film which tells the story of a woman fighting her own battles and trying to overcome her fears, won Best Cinematography at the recently concluded Singkuwento International Film Festival awards night held at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Theater/Tanghalang Leandro V. Locsin.

“Ang Huling Bucketlist,” written and directed by Bibo Ebuen, was also nominated for Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Original Musical Score, Best Original Theme Song and Best Actress (Larissa Louise Alivio), in the event which is part of the National Arts Month celebration.

Assistant director Kate Lauren Restua received the award on behalf of Cinco Productions director of photography Rosa Mina Olan. The rest of the team is made up of Charmae Carambas, Stephanie Mae Mercado, Shaina Carandang, Angelica Virgilio, Japz Tacuyan, Jasmin Sellado, Mariel Torrejos and Angelo Angcaya. They made the film as a final requirement for their Cinema 2 class at Far Eastern University.

“Through the art of filmmaking as a powerful medium to mirror society, ‘Ang Huling Bucketlist’ has been able to raise people’s awareness and give hope to those who can relate to the story. Making this film would not have been possible without the full commitment of my production team,” Ebuen said.

The short film will again be screened together with fellow Singkuwento winners Belle Kay Loyola’s “Dalit,” Maggie Lirio’s and Therese Bayabo’s “Kung ‘di Man Dumating ang Gabi,” Maricel Cariaga’s “Limang Oras” and Tim Rone Villanueva’s “Paano Bihisan ang Isang Ina” on March 13 and 19, 9 p.m. at the UP Videotheque (back of Cine Adarna), when the film festival goes to UP Diliman this month.

Two other works from FEU alumni, which they made outside the university, also bagged awards in different categories. “Liwanag” by Arby and Christine Laraño won Jury Prize and Best Directors in the documentary category. It will be shown with three other documentaries on March 11, 4 p.m. and March 16, 9 p.m. at the UP Videotheque. Meanwhile, “Bisperas” by Ralph Lauren Quincena (Sinepanghalina) brought home the Audience Choice Award. The short film, which also made it as a finalist to Sinag Maynila 2019, will be screened with four other works on March 11, 5:30 p.m., and March 18, 9 p.m.

The other FEU finalists from the 25 short films which competed during the week-long Singkuwento festival are “Apo-Dios” by Victor Elijah Gador (Cine Mabuya Films), “Dama” by Trisha Marie Antonio (SineGang Films) and “Kumari” by Angela Aguila and One Carlo Diaz (Dream Developers Studios).

Presented by MPJ Entertainment Productions in cooperation with the NCCA, Asian Television Content Corporation and Film Development Council of the Philippines, Singkuwento aims to feature works of various Filipino and foreign filmmakers.

“It is an avenue for Filipinos both here and abroad to share their voice, sentiments and thoughts via the films they have created. It is also the festival’s aim to provide a channel for non-Filipinos to share their impressions of the Philippines and its people,” festival director, filmmaker and actor Perry Escaño said.

The official selection, according to Escaño, is “a collection of films which explore topics ranging from the youth to personal relationships, from growing up to death, and other thought-provoking social issues.”

The short film competition jury is composed of award-winning director Zig Dulay, FDCP Executive Director Will Fredo and producer-filmmaker Albert Almendralejo.

15 Things You Didn't Know About Coupon and Promo Codes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When it comes to coupon and promo codes, many people have a basic and rather twisted understanding. For instance, while some people will seldom make a purchase before finding a coupon offer, others believe that things like extreme couponing are a complete waste of time.

Today, we hope to put all that to rest and help you understand the topic better. To achieve this, here is a quick overview of 15 things you didnt know about coupons and promo codes.

1. Promo codes and coupons are two different things
Many people allude to the fact that the two terms mean one and the same thing. However, they couldn't be further from the truth. A coupon refers to an image given that can be redeemed for discounts while a promo code is a computer-generated code used to get discounts on items and orders.

2. Some stores allow two promotional codes in one order

Once in a while, you will come across two amazing deals like 30% off your order plus free shipping. Though many stores will limit you to using only one code per order, a good number will let you use both.

3. Promo codes fall into 4 categories

These are the following:

1. A $$ off order: This code lets a specific dollar amount be snipped off your shop
2. A % offer: This code gives you a certain percentage off your order
3. Free products: This offers you something extra alongside your order
4. A delivery offer: This code gives you free delivery on your order

4. Some codes are case sensitive

You might have realized your codes dont work when you used small caps. This is because some are case-sensitive. To avoid any trouble, always copy paste codes before using them.

5. Certain retailers limit the use of codes by location

Although this is not a regular problem, some merchants work within country borderlines.

6. Coupons and promo codes have expiry dates

Dont hold to your coupons or promo codes forever; they all have expiry dates after which they wont work. The exact validity period can be found on their terms and conditions page.

7. Some codes wont work for certain sale stock and brands

Again, this information can be found on the coupon and promo codes terms and conditions.

8. Promo codes can no be used if wrongly activated

If your code doesnt respond, call the retailer and have them confirm whether they have been activated on their end.

9. Most promo codes have a minimum purchase

The minimum cost refers to the cost of actual items in the order that qualifies you for the discount. You have to meet this minimum before using the promo code.

10. Some retailers hide the redeem option on their payment process

Often, you will see a redeem or use option during the payment process. When you click on it, you will need to enter the code at the checkout stage. Beware as some stores hide this last step hence forcing you to do more research on how to use the code.

11. Both can be found on merchant websites

Sure, the best place to find coupon and promo codes is email newsletters and retail blog posts but a few merchants also hide them on their websites

12. They can also be found in the wild

Apart from mailing newsletters and merchant websites, coupons and promo codes can also be dug out from online resources.

13. Retailers use coupon and promo codes as an incentive

Were you perturbed by how nice the customer care rep was when you asked him to activate your code? It is simply because the store actually wants you to hurry and shop there.

14. Promo codes can help track ROI

If you want to keep track of your ROI, use promo codes. Since they generate barcodes and QR codes, you can monitor the interactions between customers and promotions.

15. Codes help limit participation during promotions

Codes are invaluable if you want to limit the number of participants in your upcoming promotion or if you intend to share the discounts with a few users.

There you have it: 15 things you didnt know about coupon and promo codes. Hopefully, weve put a few things in perspective with regards to saving money using coupons and promo codes.