Indie-Siyensya Deadline Extended to January 27

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute has extended the deadline of submission of entries to the 4th annual Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition to January 27, Monday.

Young individuals and S&T professionals (researchers and science communicators) are expected to produce documentary films which are based on scientific facts, under ten (10) minutes, and relevant to the theme “Communities Beyond the Naked Eye.”

The science films should focus on the life and impact of microorganisms, insects and other creatures or systems smaller than what we see using the naked eye, and/or highlight the relationships of these types of communities on different levels.

Indie-Siyensya, which seeks to promote science culture to the youth and the general public using film as a medium, is also the agency’s response to the growing field of science communication in the country.

“This competition aims to use filmmaking in communicating to the public scientific concepts as well as in highlighting the critical role of S&T in national development to the public and to entice the youth to become part of the growing S&T workforce of the country,” DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said.

Dr. Biyo also encouraged all qualified individuals and groups, during its launch at the Regional Science and Technology Week in Iloilo last October, to join Indie-Siyensya and to continue using film to develop understanding on the role of science in solving many of the country’s problems.

There are two main categories for interested Filipino applicants who may join as individuals or in groups: the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, and the “Open category” for college students, teachers, amateur filmmakers, science professionals, and others.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Scientific Content, Execution of Idea and Film Techniques. Winners for each category will receive trophies and cash prizes worth 100,000 pesos for the Best Film, 50,000 pesos for the second prize, and 30,000 pesos for the third prize.

One entry will also win the Viewers’ Choice award, which will be given to the entry with the highest number of votes during the film screening period at various DOST events, amounting to 20,000 pesos.

For more information, contact Ms. Candy Ilaw at 88371925 or 88372071 local 2384 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/indiesiyensya.

PHLPost Mourns the Passing of Pinoy Music Icon Dennis Garcia

Wazzup Pilipinas!


The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) mourns the loss of Mr. Dennis Garcia, founding member of the legendary Filipino band, Hotdog and older brother of Rene Garcia, the band’s lead singer who was recently honored by PHLPost along with Joey “Pepe” Smith and Rico J. Puno with their own commemorative postage stamps as part of its recently launched “Pinoy Music Icons”.


As a pioneer of the popular Manila Sound that began in the mid-1970s, Mr. Garcia wrote most of the band’s biggest hits in tandem with his brother Rene. The legacy of Hotdog did not stop after the latter has passed away as Dennis remained active in advocating the promotion of Filipino culture through the postage stamps that he hopes will also honor other Pinoy Music Icons in the future.


Their musical genre mirrored not only the distinctive music of the era but also the sentiments of many Filipinos toward their culture and homeland.



“The postage stamp is our way of honoring the band’s important role in linking the past and present generations through their own brand of music”, PHLPost said in a statement.



PHLPost added that “they will forever be grateful to “Mr. D” for his selfless attitude in supporting the successful launch of the “Pinoy Music Icons” commemorative stamps and icons memorabilia exhibit at PHLPost”.


“Even as we mourn his loss, we will continue to celebrate his remarkable life and the musical legacy that the brothers Dennis and Rene have shared with the Filipino people”, PHLPost said.

RedDoorz Reaches Out to Red Cross, World Vision to Aid Taal Eruption Victims

Wazzup Pilipinas!

RedDoorz, the Philippines’ leading hotel management and booking platform, connected with two of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations - the Philippine Red Cross and World Vision - to provide assistance to the thousands of residents affected by the recent Taal Volcano eruption.

RedDoorz supported the Philippine Red Cross, the country’s largest humanitarian organization, by donating thousands of blankets, bottled water and hygiene kits containing soap, shampoo, and dental packs - some of the most essential requirements, to those affected by the recent volcanic eruption. The Philippine Red Cross was among the first responders on-ground to help the thousands of affected residents in Batangas province.

“We thank RedDoorz their donations relative to the continuous relief effort of Philippine Red Cross to the affected families and individuals of the recent Taal Volcano eruption,” said Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter administrative officer Rowell Jarin.

RedDoorz also extended their help to World Vision, a global humanitarian organization which aims to improve the lives of families and communities, by providing monetary assistance for its on-going relief operations. World Vision, known for caring for underprivileged children, started a monetary donation drive to provide evacuees with hygiene kits, dust masks, drinking water, and to build child-friendly spaces to help children cope with the distress of the calamity.

As for the largest non-profit organization in the Philippines, World Vision Executive Director Rommel Forte said, “World Vision is committed to support the families, especially the children, who are in a difficult situation because of the eruption. Our response team is already on the ground and will also be distributing hygiene kits, plastic mats, blankets, drinking water and other emergency essentials in the coming days.”

“Our properties in Tagaytay have been affected and the communities we serve there have been badly affected as well. We partnered with Red Cross and World Vision in their relief operations so we can extend help not just to our Tagaytay communities but to also let the residents and evacuees feel a semblance of comfort in the evacuation centers. In times like these when so many people have lost homes, belongings, livelihoods and have to deal with hunger and exposure to the elements, we need to come together as one community to help those in need.” said RedDoorz’s Country Marketing Head, Raenald De Jesus.

Residents of cities and municipalities near the main crater of Taal Volcano were forced to leave their homes due to the volcanic activities and the threat of more explosions. More than 50,000 residents of towns from Batangas and Cavite had been staying in evacuation centers since Sunday, January 12.