New Epson Robot Force Sensors Enable Automation of Difficult Tasks

- Allow robots to automatically modulate force -

Seiko Epson Corporation has announced the development of its S250 series of high-precision force sensors. The S250 series, which was rolled out worldwide from early June, will be available as an option for the company’s six-axis and SCARA robots. 

Employing Epson’s proprietary piezoelectric quartz sensing technology, the new force sensors are durable and sensitive, allowing them to accurately and consistently sense minimal amounts of force in six directions. This will allow customers to automate complex manufacturing tasks and will improve productivity. Epson also provides robot operation commands with the sensor, allowing customers to easily introduce the system.

Many manufacturers are turning to robots as skilled workers are lessening and aging populations are affecting companies in the world’s leading economies, and the trend to reshoring continues worldwide. 

Epson’s innovative new force sensors answer these needs and are a significant step forward in achieving the company’s mission of using robots to improve the way products are manufactured. The S250 series enables robots to feel force as limited as 0.1 N, allowing the robots to automate complex tasks such as precisely assembling delicate components. 

The sensors can also be used on tasks that formerly relied on human sensory perception such as polishing and deburring, freeing people from repetitive manual work. 

“The new force sensors are a significant development for Epson and for the manufacturing industry in general,” said Yoneharu Fukushima, COO of Epson’s Robotics Solutions Operations Division. 

“As a company dedicated to manufacturing innovation, the new sensors help to expand the applications for robots, and bring us a step further towards achieving our goal of creating a world in which robots support people in a wide variety of situations.”

“There is strong demand for industrial robotics and their applications within the Southeast Asia region, with robotics spending looking to double in Asia Pacific by 2019, according to IDC. The new force sensors will meet the demands of customers within Southeast Asia, to improve their productivity through automation of complex and intricate tasks. At Epson, we are committed to bringing new innovations to our customers to help them achieve their business goals,” said Ng Ngee Khiang, Regional General Manager, Epson Robotics Division.

The robots with new force sensors will be available from June within Southeast Asia, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 puts Philippines on the spotlight

The Philippines will once again make its mark in the global entertainment scene as local and international pop icons gather together to perform in one of this year’s biggest music event, the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this event will be on June 24, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

With the theme “Can’t Stop Movin!”, the MTV Music Evolution 2016 presents the amazing evolution of pop music and its dance influences that will definitely keep the fans moving all night long. 

Headlining this year’s MTV Music Evolution is iconic international pop band and prolific hit-maker One Republic, with L.A. grown electric dance trio Far East Movement Billboard Hot 100 Artist, American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha and one of Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female groups Apink. 

Also sharing the stage are iconic local artists headed by Pinoy pop superstar father and son tandem Gary V. featuring Gab Valenciano and Filipino pop darlings and favorite teen love team, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. 

Hosting the event will be MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras.

Now on its 2nd year, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is expected to gather thousands of fans from different parts of the globe in a grand one-night only live celebration of pop music like never before. The Philippines will also be highlighted in a global live telecast reaching an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries under the MTV World Stage global series.

The MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 proves once again that the Philippines is not only a premier global destination for arts, culture, leisure and adventure, but is also one of the world’s top destinations for world-class entertainment. 

To know more, visit www.mtvmusicevo.com or www.tpb.gov.ph.

Budget-friendly tips from Electrolux: Preparing healthy 'baon' for your kids

With school opening on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about not only the contents of your kids book bags but also what’s inside their lunch boxes. Creating packed lunches and snacks for your kids is not only a great way to save but the way to make sure they eat nutritious food. 

That is why Electrolux is here to provide some budget-friendly tips for tasty and healthy packed lunches and snacks. Forget the hotdogs or bacon and rice combo— these dish ideas are not only easy to prepare but will go down easy with your kids as well! 

Grains

Did you know the Australian dietary guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of mostly whole grain and/or high fibre varieties of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats? Why? 

Because it is Good-for-your-Grain! 

Grains plays an important role for a healthy diet, providing nutrients and energy for your kids’ growth and development. One of the benefits of eating whole grains is that they are chock-full of fiber. Diets high in fiber have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, constipation and unhealthy weight gain. 

A quick and easy way to incorporate fiber is through sandwiches - try making a simple clubhouse sandwich, which also contains veggies, and replace your ordinary bread with whole wheat bread. You can also replace white rice with brown rice to give your kids that fiber fix. 

Fruits and Vegetables 

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet can be challenging - one way to do it is to involve them in choosing and making their meal. Why not try a homemade trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, & cereal? Bring your children with you when you do the grocery shopping and let them choose a few dried fruits and nuts of their choice. You could combine them with a whole grain cereal for an easy trail mix.

Another way to include veggies into your kid’s lunchbox is by pairing crunchy vegetables like baby carrots or peppers with a tasty dip like hummus, tzatziki or homemade ranch dressing made with fat-free mayonnaise. These make great sides for lunch or even a yummy snack. 

Protein

Found in meat products, protein is required for growth and repair of muscles, as well as iron. For healthier baon, use lean meat or fish like salmon and tuna as your protein source or instead of frying meat, give them cold cuts or tuna in a sandwich. 

Eggs are another source of protein. Try packing a hard-boiled egg with your child’s lunch as one hard-boiled egg could provide 6 grams of protein.

More Healthy Snack Options

A healthy packed lunch should contain all four main food groups.

There are a lot of healthy snack items that you can give your kids besides sugary biscuits or chips. Aside from servings of chopped up fruit, you can include a single-serving pack of reduced fat chips, plain popcorn, apple or banana chips, a slice of fruit cake or unsalted nuts as a minor indulgence for your child at recess or after lunch. 

Making baon for your kids everyday may take up a lot of time, especially when you are in a rush in the morning getting everyone ready for their day. One way to cut down on prep time is to prepare a large portion of food on weekends, then divide them into single portions and keep them in your refrigerator to grab and serve when needed. 

Having a refrigerator with good storage solutions like the New Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator ESE6200PD-PH can be a big help. It has Freezer Space Plus which give you extra freezer room perfect for storing cooked food that you can eat later in the week. It also has wide open spaces and over 20.5 cu ft. capacity to help you store and organize the food your family will eat all week long. 

“At Electrolux, we believe in helping moms and families live healthier lifestyles and one way to do this is through good nutrition. With this goal in mind, Electrolux has thoughtfully designed products that will help families in their journey to eat well, in every sense of the word,” said Andrea Pionilla, Country Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. 

For more ideas on home care and healthy living, please visit electrolux.com.ph.

Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances, based on deep consumer insight and developed in close collaboration with professional users. We offer thoughtfully designed, innovative solutions for households and businesses, with products such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners and small domestic appliances. Under esteemed brands including Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi, Frigidaire and Electrolux Grand Cuisine, the Group sells more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year. In 2014 Electrolux had sales of SEK 112 billion and 60,000 employees. For more information go to www.electroluxgroup.com. 

SAVE THE DATE Chicken Lovers!

Hey Chicken lovers!! 

Hot Star celebrates National Fried Chicken Day on July 6 with a special price of Php 99 for their Signature Large Fried Chicken. They have 5 awesome flavors to choose from.

Valid for ONE DAY ONLY so RUN don’t walk to your nearest branch : 

Eastwood, Katipunan, Blue Bay, Fishermall, SM Manila and Banawe.

#hotstarph #nationalfriedchickenday #friedchicken #chicken #hotstarlargefriedchicken

Jardine and NHCP together in preserving our culture and heritage with Solignum

The historical Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite is one of the first projects that was successfully preserved by JDI and NCHP's partnership. (Photo cedits: www.pinoyadventurista.com)

Historic sites help define a country’s identity, allowing us a peek at all the triumphs and challenges that have made it a nation. However, through the years, many heritage sites suffer from damages wrought by modernization, natural calamities, and even by pests like termites and woodborers.

In their desire to contribute to the preservation of such historical markers, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Jardine Distribution, Inc (JDI). continue its efforts in preserving historical sites

“We are happy that we are able to continue this meaningful partnership with NHCP. Solignum is all about preserving what we have so future generations can enjoy it or learn from it,” says Peachy Tiu, JDI Marketing Manager “Preserving our historical landmarks is our own contribution to nation building and our way of showing gratitude to the Filipino people for trusting Solignum all these past decades.”

JDI helps in preserving our cultural heritage by donating and applying Solignum wood preservatives to the structures to protect these from further deterioration.

 Jardine and NCHP plan to restore and preserve more historical sites like what they accomplished with the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini located at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa. (Photo credits: commons.wikimedia.org)

Working diligently and effectively for more than a century now, Solignum has mastered the science of total termite solution—from timber protection to soil treatment and decorative products.

Among the projects that are successfully preserved and restored by the partnership includes the historical Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite and Museo ni Apolinario Mabini located at Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa. 

As Solignum maintains its position as the most trusted wood preservative in the market, and after decades of strong performance, JDI only hopes that its preservation efforts will help future generations appreciate the country’s vibrant history. 

After all, Jardine believes that lessons from our past make us stronger and better people who are capable of making this country a better one.

For more information about Solignum wood preservative products, go to www.jardinedistribution.com.

SM Cinema joins GMovies roster of theater partners ePLUS, GCash as exclusive mode of payment

SM Cinema, the country’s largest chain of movie houses, has joined GMovies roster of theater partners, giving users of the mobile movie booking app a faster and easier way to buy tickets from any of over 300 SM theaters nationwide anytime at their convenience.

For the SM Cinema partnership, Globe Telecom’s mobile money solution GCash will initially be the exclusive payment gateway for GMovies users. GCash will be used in tandem with ePLUS, SM’s integrated e-wallet and loyalty system to give SM Cinema patrons another way to enjoy the movies.

At present, SM Cinema operates over 300 2D and 3D screens, 8 IMAX Theaters and 13 Director’s Club Cinemas for a total market share of over 50 percent.

“We are always looking for ways to provide the best experience for our customers, thus, it is a big win for GMovies to have SM Cinema on board since it gives our users from all over the Philippines more options to choose from. With SM Cinema as a partner, GMovies now covers 77 percent of movie theaters nationwide,” said Glenn Estrella, Vice President of Globe Digital Ventures which offers GMovies.

“This is just the start of a more dynamic partnership with Globe and its services. Both our companies are committed to providing a more convenient and rewarding access to entertainment. ePLUS with SM Cinema and GMovies with GCash will work together towards building a cashless society,” said Sahara Jean Garnica, Assistant Vice President, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. managing ePLUS. 

GMovies is an all-in-one solution for movie tickets on the go. It is the only platform in the Philippines that aggregates movie ticket booking capabilities for multiple cinema chains. The mobile app allows users not only to purchase movie tickets and reserve seats at their favorite cinema whenever they want and wherever they may be but also keeps them updated with the latest and upcoming blockbusters to hit the theaters. It can be downloaded for free from App Store and Google Play. 

To purchase seats from SM Cinema, simply select movie schedule, branch, and preferred seat/s; select GCash as payment option; and log into GCash and confirm transaction. GCash load will automatically be converted to ePLUS movie credits. The user will receive an e-ticket via email which will also be saved in their phone gallery. For ease of access, patrons can just go straight to the cinema and tap their e-ticket at the ePLUS reader. 

SM Cinema will go live in GMovies website and Android app beginning June 22.  The iOS app will follow after two weeks. 

For more information about GMovies, please visit www.gmovies.ph.

Start enjoying blockbusters at SM Cinema via GMovies!

PLDT Enterprise leads digital transformation discussions at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention: Digital Now!

Philippine companies get a chance this week to take a hard look at how digital technologies are changing the rules of the game for their businesses at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention.

PLDT Executives and partners open the technology exhibit at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention. Shown in photo from left to right: ePLDT Chief Operating Officer Nerisse Ramos, PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto, PLDT ALPHA First Vice President and Head Jovy Hernandez, IDC Asia Pacific Managing Director Dr. Christopher Holmes, and Cisco Philippines Country Manager Louie Castaneda.

Hosted by PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business group of PLDT, the convention will run from June 20 to 21 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom Manila and will focus on how disruptive technologies collectively called “SMACS” – short for Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and Security – are reshaping the strategies of enterprises and organizations.

Invited to the convention are top level executives, business leaders, and decision makers from the country’s leading enterprises across various industries. Presented in association with premier global market intelligence provider IDC, the convention will provide these business leaders with in-depth information on the future of the digital enterprise and the breakthrough technologies that will prominently figure in their business roadmap.

“Today, going digital is no longer just an option for enterprises and organizations. The Philippine ICT Leadership Convention will highlight the strategic challenges and opportunities that digital technologies present to Philippine companies,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. 

“As consumers become digitally-connected regardless of demographic, enterprises must also transform themselves by leveraging on new technologies to change the way they operate, and more importantly, to transform the way they engage with their customers and employees. The convention will help enterprises make this shift and usher in a more digitally-empowered Philippines,” he added.

Aside from presentations by industry leaders and technology experts, the 2-day convention will also allow guests to experience various digital technologies within the enterprise environment through workshops, exhibits, and plenary discussions.

“The advent of new digital platforms has introduced disruptive technologies that are changing the way enterprises are interacting with consumers and the digital world. Through the convention, PLDT, along with industry leaders, will provide our insights to serve as a knowledge base for enterprises, enable them to take advantage of these disruptive technologies, and promote growth in their businesses,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto.

Attendees can also participate in breakout workshops focused on specific technology tracks that include Data Center and Cloud, Big Data and Analytics, M2M and Internet of Things, Digital Engagement, Cyber security, and Unified Communications and Collaboration. These topics, designed to provide a holistic approach to the benefits of technology tracks to enterprises, will enable participants to better understand the solutions that are at their disposal, and how these can significantly impact their businesses.

Latest Kwentong JollibeeTVC honors Pinoy dads

Heartwarming Father’s Day TVC highlights love and acceptance

Jollibee, the country’s number one fastfood chain launched its newest made for digital material which premiered just in time for Father’s Day.

The two-minuter Father’s Day special, titled “Entrance Exam,” is the latest installment of the fastfood chain’s Kwentong Jollibee series. It revolves around the story of a successful father with high expectations and his son’s earnest desire to fulfill them. The commercial culminates with an unexpected twist—expectations of excellence can be built over decades, but love and acceptance trumps over disappointment at the end of the day.

The Kwentong Jollibee campaign captures the many heartwarming stories of Filipinos over the years and how Jollibee has been part of it. The campaign kicked off last February with three heartwarming real stories of long-time Jollibee customers and an omnibus material presented from the perspective of a restaurant manager who has been with the company for more than 20 years now.

“Entrance Exam” was directed by Ianco dela Cruz who also helped bring to life the previous Kwentong Jollibee stories like “Almusal,” “Jabee,” “Tagpuan,” and “Mama’s Girl” (Mother’s Day special). 

“Kwentong Jollibee is the story of Pinoys all over the country and the world and how their favorite fastfood chain figured in it. It represents the Pinoys’ long standing love affair with Jollibee,” said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer. “We believe that everyone has a Jollibee story to share. And through Kwentong Jollibee, we want to creatively capture the universal Filipino experience, anchored on the things we love—our families, friends, communities, that somehow also make up our favorite Jollibee memories while growing up.”

Watch “Entrance Exam” on the Jollibee Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines/videos/1124709530908605/) or on the official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1) and remember to thank Dad, Papa, and Tatay for a lifetime of unconditional love, encouragement, and acceptance.

"My Husband’s Lover" premieres on Fox Filipino on June 20

FOX Filipino has announced that it will feature one of the most talked about local drama series in the country, My Husband’s Lover, which premieres on the channel on June 20, 2016. 

This groundbreaking series that follows the story of a woman’s awakening to her husband’s hidden sexuality will be shown on weeknights, with back-to-back episodes from Monday to Friday, 7 PM to 8:50 PM. Fans of My Husband’s Lover can also get their fill of this critically acclaimed drama with replays on weekdays from 7 AM to 9 AM and marathons every Saturday from 9 AM to 5:55 PM.

My Husband’s Lover centers on the story of Lally (Carla Abellana), a woman who marries early after being impregnated by her boyfriend Vincent, who in turn strives to become a good husband. Despite his good intentions, Vincent (Tom Rodriguez) hides a secret deep inside him that threatens his marriage: his unshakeable attraction to men. When Vincent encounters his old love Eric (Dennis Trillo), who is openly gay, he slides into a passionate affair that even Lally can’t ignore in her innocent devotion to her husband. Lally refuses to give up on her marriage and the future of their children, and she makes a bold decision that will change her life, Vincent’s, and Eric’s forever.

On its first run, the series gained generally positive reviews from critics and viewers for its portrayal of tolerance, forgiveness, and a side of marriage rarely seen on Philippine television. My Husband’s Lover was also given recognition by various local and international award-giving institutions, including a “highly commended” distinction for Trillo’s portrayal as Eric at the prestigious Asian Television Awards. It was also nominated in the Telenovela category at the International Emmy Awards, which recognizes television production excellence outside the US. 

Fox Philippines top executive Jude Turcuato

FOX Filipino celebrates the pay-TV premiere of My Husband’s Lover by holding a brunch on June 20 for members of the press at Le Jardin Manila in Bonifacio Global City, a penthouse French restaurant with a garden theme.

And with special celebrity guest Miss Kuh Ledesma.

Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Marketing for FOX Networks Group Philippines said:

“We’re excited to feature a highly lauded production such as My Husband’s Lover on FOX Filipino—it’s a quality Filipino production that not only entertains audiences but also challenges them to question outdated norms. FOX Filipino is giving those who missed out on the series an opportunity to fall in love with its fascinating characters and their struggle to care for each other under rigid expectations from society.”

Jodi Sta. Maria is torn between two lovers in Star Cinema's 'The Achy Breaky Hearts!'

Help Jodi choose between two handsome gentlemen in 'The Achy Breaky Hearts' this coming June 29 in theaters nationwide.

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, "The Achy Breaky Hearts" starring Ian Veneracion, Richard Yap, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

In the story, Jodi is Chinggay, a smart, beautiful, and successful woman in her 30s who's had not a boyfriend for seven years until Frank (Richard), Chinggay's ex-boyfriend for four years and Ryan (Ian), who Chinggay helped after his engagement proposal got rejected, entered her heart.

Chinggay (Jodi Sta. Maria), a jewelry shop manager, is one of the single women who feels the pressure to find love. She goes out on dates with men but none of them seem to make the cut. You may blame her high standards but the pain from her previous relationship could also be affecting her judgment on men. Now, her love life is suffering a drought for seven years.

Everything changes when suddenly, two men are interested to be with her. Ryan (Ian Veneracion) and Frank (Richard Yap).

Chinggay finds herself torn between two kinds of love. Will she choose one over the other? Or will she realize that the love that she needs won’t come from either?

Other casts are Beauty Gonzalez, Sarah Lahbati, Desiree Del Valle, Erika Padilla, Denise Joaquin, Khalil Ramos, Shamaine Buencamino, Miles Ocampo, Liza Lorena, Rey 'PJ' Abellana, John Spainhour, Elizabeth Ty Chua.

"The Achy Breaky Hearts"is helmed by blockbuster 'hugot' director Antoinette Jadaone, opens In cinemas starting June 29, 2016. 

For more updates  visit www.starcinema.com.ph

Follow Star Cinema:

Twitter: @StarCinema

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Snapchat: starcinema

Titan launches the Neo collection

The world’s fifth largest watchmaker launches stunning selection of watches

Titan, the world’s fifth largest watchmaker from the TATA Group, launched their stylish Neo range of timepieces for the metropolitan men and women. 

Renowned for its excellence in watch-making craftsmanship and design expertise, the brand is proud to unveil its latest collection in Philippines. 

Embracing the latest trend in professional style, Titan Neo is designed for the metropolitan men and women. 

With stylish steel cases, the collection showcases sleek and trendy watches ideal for a contemporary look. Designed with genuine leather and metal straps, the Neo watches are the perfect accessories to pair with formal attire. 

Greenpeace busts myths on Renewable Energy with The Solar Rooftop Challenge

Greenpeace launched the Solar Rooftop Challenge, and presented at the media and guests held at the Bonifacio High Street last June 15, 2016. On the eve of the start of the comprehensive government energy policy review, and proving that the incoming rainy season is not an impediment to fully embrace solar energy, Solar Rooftop Challenge, an aggressive information campaign highlights the potentials of producing solar energy in the Philippines.

The Solar Rooftop Challenge highlights the benefits of using solar and busts misguided notions that hinder individuals and companies from taking it up by showcasing existing solar rooftop installations of urban middle class households, celebrities, churches, schools, government buildings and private establishments, and through sharing empowering stories of people who have joined the solar rooftop revolution in the country.

Renewable Energy advocates Illac Diaz (from left), Jun Sabayton, Jasmin Curtis-Smith and Saab Magalona grace the launching of the Greenpeace Solar Rooftop Challenge at the Bonifacio High Street on June 15, 2016. The Solar Rooftop Challenge is a massive information campaign that highlights the potentials of producing solar energy in the Philippines and creates a platform for the young and urban Filipinos to join the discussion on renewable energy, particularly the use of solar energy. ©Greenpeace

"Today, we are launching the Solar Rooftop Challenge to create a platform for the young and urban Filipinos to join the discussion on renewable energy, particularly the use of solar energy. At the same time that the young, hip and trendy Filipinos are ‘arriving’, so is the use of solar energy,” explained Reuben Muni, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines.

The launch event featured informative lectures and discussions by Obet Verzola, author of the book Crossing Over: the Energy Transition to Renewable Energy and Executive Director of Center for Renewable Electricity Strategies (CREST), and Dann Diez, Executive Director of Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities, who presented data and experiences showing that solar energy installation is affordable, accessible and more cost-effective in the long run.

The launch also unveiled the video series JuanaSolar Busts a Myth in Minutes, which features celebrity advocates Saab Magalona, Yam Concepcion and Dingdong Dantes busting the myths surrounding the use of solar energy.

The videos debunk the myths that solar energy is expensive, unreliable, impractical, uneconomic, and beyond the reach of the average Filipino.

The Solar Rooftop Challenge also happens at the same time that the Philippine government is starting its comprehensive review of the country's energy policy in order to reduce dependence on coal and come up with a national framework for a just transition to renewable energy and a low-carbon economic pathway.

“By showing that many Filipinos across the country have already made the switch to solar energy, we are sending a message to the incoming Duterte Administration to take to heart this energy policy review and listen to the clamor of many more Filipinos who want clean and renewable sources of electricity for their homes, offices, and businesses,” added Muni.

By telling empowering stories, the Solar Rooftop Challenge showed that the solar revolution is already happening in many parts of the country - from a solar-powered church, to solar-powered schools, malls, and many households. It aims to serve as a platform for the thousands of Filipinos who have already embraced the solar revolution to show and tell their stories as well as exchange and share ideas and information to persuade other people who are keen on taking up the challenge of producing their own clean and renewable electricity from their rooftops.

“The stories will show energy independence through solar energy. We will break the myths surrounding renewable energy and create a powerful testament on its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability to propel the Philippines to a future powered by clean and sustainable energy,” Muni said.

Good news from Meralco: Lower energy rates this June!

Typhoon season is upon us, but don’t expect sweater or blanket weather soon. It’s still hot and humid! What’s hotter is Meralco’s good news: lower electricity rates this June!

The country’s largest power distributor has announced that residential rates would go down by around Php 0.13 per kWh this month. Meralco says the rate reduction is due to lower generation charges, which is the cost of producing electricity collected by Meralco in behalf of generation companies. In fact, this June’s generation charge is the lowest since October 2004.

Aside from the reduced generation charge, taxes and other charges were also lower at Php 0.033 per kWh. Meralco’s distribution, supply, and metering charges have remained unchanged for nearly a year now. 

For an average Filipino household consuming around 200 kWh every month, the new rates mean a reduction of around Php 25 in their June bill.

Meanwhile, typhoon season also brings floods to many areas in Metro Manila. We can avoid accidents at home by keeping in mind these safety reminders from Meralco:

·      Turn off the circuit breaker or main power switch when it’s starting to flood.

·      Unscrew the light bulbs and unplug appliances.

·      When cleaning your circuit breaker, fuse and main power switch, wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes to prevent electrocution.

·      Always hire a licensed electrician to check the electrical wiring. Don’t do it on your own!

·      Bring in your flood-submerged appliances to a professional before turning them on or using them again.

For more Meralco safety tips or if you have any questions, just visit the website www.meralco.com.ph, or follow them on Twitter (@meralco) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco). You may also call the Meralco 24-hour Call Center at 16211.