UP scientist’s novel tech empowers rural fisherfolk

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Innovative data-driven technologies are empowering Filipino coastal communities by enabling them to make better informed decisions on when and how to utilize marine resources. 

An advocate of sustainable fishing practices, Dr. Aletta Concepcion T. Yñiguez of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) has been working closely with small-scale fishers and government agencies to help rural fisherfolk with technologies developed by UP scientists.

Dr. Yñiguez holds a SensPak tube, developed by UP scientists, off the coast of Bolinao in June 2021. Once lowered in the water, such devices can help scientists and fisherfolk monitor the health of the marine environment almost in real time. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MSI DOST HABHazard Program)Yñiguez and her fellow MSI researchers created ARAICoBeH (A Rapid Assessment Instrument for Coastal Benthic Habitats), an inexpensive tool for taking underwater photos of endangered areas such as coral reefs without needing to dive. She also spearheaded HABhub (Harmful Algal Bloom Hub), an online platform that facilitates the detection and reporting of algal blooms, which could threaten both the lives and livelihoods of affected fisherfolk. HABhub also provides robust early-warning systems that would allow for more proactive mitigation and enhanced understanding of these phenomena.

These and other innovations and insights from Dr. Yñiguez were the focus of a recent iStories webinar, hosted by the UPD-CS.

“To ensure the sustainable utilization and management of ocean resources, it is critical that observational, monitoring and decision-support tools are in place to provide concrete, science-based information and management. But the technologies, tools and capacity for these are sorely lacking,” Dr. Yñiguez said at the event.

“Our present efforts help bridge this gap through interdisciplinary collaborations to develop cost-effective sensors that automate ocean observation, building ocean data repositories and models for understanding, forecasting and decision-support,” she added.

For her work, Dr. Yñiguez was bestowed The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) award in 2022. Given by the TOWNS Foundation, Inc., the prestigious award honors Filipinas 21 to 45 years old who have contributed greatly to Philippine society in their chosen fields.

iStories is a series of monthly innovation-themed talks, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative aims to ignite the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from UPD-CS but from other institutes inside and outside UP.

Snow and Reindeer arrive for the Frost Festival in PUBG MOBILE's version 2.9 update

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




On November 7th, PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, gets ready to celebrate the holiday season in its festive Version 2.9 Update. From November 7, 2023 to January 7, 2024, players will be able to battle in Snowy Village - a themed area featuring frosty new ways to traverse and take down enemy players, as well as more treats to get into the holiday spirit. Metro Royale Chapter 17 is also on the way, and the World of Wonder is getting new objects and improvements, including a Snowy new template.

In the Version 2.9 Update, Snowy Village invites PUBG MOBILE fans to the ultimate festive showdown! Players can fight in a two-story Ice Sculpture Plaza, and traverse the map in thrilling new ways - from Snow Rails to Snowboards. If the battleground still doesn’t seem cold enough, Snowball Blasters with exciting effects will also be available. When shooting these at enemies, they’ll turn them into snowmen! They can also be shot at the ground to create snowy cover, or at water to freeze it solid.

Other snowmen can also be found in Snowy Village. Players can come across a Lucky Snowman with three Snow Toddlers hidden nearby. After finding a Snow Toddler, it will follow the player like a pet, allowing them to bring it back to the Lucky Snowman. Finding and returning all of them will reward players with a crate! Even more rewards are available in the Version 2.9 update inside Lucky Ice. Players will need to find the most effective way to break through their icy exterior to get to the prize inside.

The Version 2.9 Update also brings a variety of gameplay improvements, including new 

additions to the World of Wonder creative mode with expanded PvE options, new Editor enhancements, and a new Snowy Map Template, as well as Frost Festival objects. 

Additionally, new ‘Catch Me’ Gameplay Template updates are being added, along with Skill Management Device improvements which introduce skills related to transformation gameplay.

The new Royale Pass Ace will be available from November 14, 2023 to January 13, 2024. Players can complete RP missions to increase their rank, and receive rewards such as new 

custom colour outfits, snowbike and reindeer finishes, and more.

Players can also look forward to a thrilling collaboration with a legendary sports car brand that will be revealed very soon. Stay tuned for more details! 

Complete details about what’s included in PUBG MOBILE’s Version 2.9 Update can be 

found in the official patch notes avaiable. PUBG MOBILE’s Version 2.9 Update will be available on November 7th! Download the 

game for free on the App Store and Google Play Store. 

About PUBG MOBILE

PUBG MOBILE is based on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote island to battle in a winner-takes-all showdown. Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles, and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone.

For more information, please visit the official PUBG MOBILE social channels on Facebook,Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

As the Frost Festival draws near, Reindeer will begin to spawn on the map! These merry vehicles allow two players to ride together to spread cheer across the battleground. The maps will also be decorated for the season with trees full of presents and stockings filled with supplies.

BingoPlus, ArenaPlus continue to enrich Pinoy festivals by supporting MassKara Festival 2023

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



BingoPlus, the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines and ArenaPlus, the leading sports betting application in the country, continued their joint mission of promoting Pinoy festivals by amping up the fun and entertainment of the MassKara Festival 2023 in Bacolod.

As major sponsors, BingoPlus and ArenaPlus organized interactive and memorable social, sports and cultural events that delighted Bacolodnons and tourists. The MassKara Grand Countdown Salubong, the MassKara Electrika Diva dance competition and the Electric Float Parade dazzled revelers with colorful lights and pageantry while the competitions revved up the competitive spirit and energy of the competing barangays and participants.

To make the festivity more exciting, the brands set up booths filled with fun-filled games and premium merchandise for all the attendees to enjoy for free.

One of the festival's main highlights was the Miss Bacolod MassKara Coronation Night that Marianel Tan, a communication student from the University of St. La Salle, won. She also took home the Ms. BingoPlus title and a ₱10,000 cash prize.

A spectacular BingoPlus and ArenaPlus Variety Show at Lacson Road was the highlight of the festival where popular celebrities like Kice of Idol Philippines fame, actor Tony Labrusca and Pinoy Dream Academy standout Jay-R Siaboc delivered exceptional performances together with hiphop groups Allmost, G22, Versus, Project Z and A Class, among others.

The annual celebration in Bacolod, Negros Occidental was established in 1980 to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience after a tragic sea accident occurred, that deeply affected the Negrense community. After the accident the City government enjoined the city’s artistic community, civic and business groups to hold “a festival of smiles” that would erase the sadness. Thus, carrying a rich culture and history, the smiling, colorful masks is a grand reminder to one and all that no matter what tragedy strikes, the City of Smiles and the Filipino people will survive for a better and joyful tomorrow.

This year from October 06 to 22, 2023, the City of Smiles overflowed with color and joy as it featured numerous entertaining activities.

“Our active participation in events like this exhibits BingoPlus’ and ArenaPlus’ steadfast commitment to enrich local cultures and traditions that have been a major part of the Filipino identity for centuries. Through unwavering support, we aim to contribute to the preservation of our country’s heritage,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent and Total Gamezone Xtreme president.

ArenaPlus and BingoPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Digiplus Interactive Corp continues to enrich the gaming experience for Filipino players across the nation.




For more updates on the latest and upcoming cultural events of BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net