Average Filipino’s guide to solar rooftops

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Step 1. Get to know solar power

It’s always a good idea to get yourself acquainted with new technology, and how others are using it. The use of solar power is no different, and getting behind cleaner, more sustainable energy starts with eliminating any doubts you may have, once and for all.

Local celebrity solar champions have teamed up with Greenpeace for the Juana Solar Busts a Myth in Minutes series (you can watch them on http://www.iwantsolar.ph) to break the most common renewable energy myths that bring about these doubts.

Ask a friend or relative who’s a solar consumer directly about his/her experience. It's also a great idea to look into first-hand accounts from solar energy users. These solar stories are where you’re most likely to get the answers you're looking for.

It's also worth reading up on how light energy is converted into electricity. Many sites offer comprehensive yet newbie-friendly materials on the science behind solar panels, like Save On Energy’s article on how solar panels work.

Step 2. Do an energy audit

It’s necessary to find out how much energy you consume. It’s a crucial step in determining the solar equipment you’ll need, and also helps you determine how much you can save in terms of both energy efficiency and production.

With a bit of research, you can conduct the energy audit yourself or seek the help of a solar panel provider. Most providers can even give you an estimate of how much you can save on your monthly electricity bill with each specific number of solar panels you install.

Once you know the amount of power you need after installing energy efficient systems, then you can decide on and ask your preferred provider about the following:

Partial System vs. Full System - you can opt to acquire a system to power your entire home or start with having certain appliances or parts of your house powered by solar energy.

Off-grid setup vs. Grid-tied setup - An off-grid setup allows you to be independent from the power supplier in your area. With an off-grid setup you’ll need a controller, inverter, and batteries to be able to store energy for nighttime use. With a Grid-tied setup, you produce solar energy from solar panels and sell the energy back to your local electric company. This setup can lower your electricity bills with net metering.

Type and size of panels (including size of battery, charge controller and inverter, if not connected to the grid) - The type and size of panels will depend on your budget, energy needs, available space and location. It’s best to consult with your provider on this.

Step 3. Financing

There are already many financing options available for those looking to solarize their homes or businesses. Some solar panel providers offer in-house financing in easy installments, while banks like BPI and BDO offer loans specifically for solar home installations.

PAG-IBIG also offers loans for the purchase and installation of solar panels to members who want to save on electricity costs with renewable energy through the agency’s Home Improvement Loan.

Step 4. Purchase & Installation

Another thing to consider when you purchase solar panels is finding the optimal space for it in your home.

We highly recommend that you leave the installation to experts to avoid safety hazards. Most providers can tell the optimal location and orientation of the panels.

You may visit http://www.iwantsolar.ph/solarize-your-home for a downloadable list of solar panel providers in the Philippines.

Step 5. Reap the benefits and share your story!

If it’s good to connect with like-minded individuals early on, it’s even better to share your experience with many more who are scared of taking the first step. Your solar story can change lives!

Demonstrating the benefits of solar energy will call attention to the slow progress of renewable energy uptake in the country's energy mix. This will increase the pressure on newly elected officials to do their part in speeding up the shift to clean, renewable energy, which is also the key to the Philippines' energy independence.

Best of all, you get to play an active role in the imminent transition to a 100% clean energy future.

Globe Platinum and The Gourmand Market brings a gastronomic weekend foodventure! Visit and enjoy The Gourmand Market on July 22 to July 24

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Guests for the weekend feast get to savor specially-made Globe Platinum dishes to bring home special prizes

 A preview of some of the delicious Globe Platinum gourmet dishes that await guests at the upcoming Gourmand Market weekend

The Gourmand Market is back and ready to satisfy all the foodies out there with a tasteful selection of gourmet finds. 

From July 22 to July 24, 2016, The Gourmand Market, together with Globe Platinum, announces another round of great tasting choices embodying a scene of a modern day outdoor affair. Located at C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street, it is open to all for free, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

With an innate passion for gastronomy, The Gourmand Market has served as a venue for vendors to come together and share their craft for food. In this weekend affair, guests are in for a breath of fresh air and an environment of great food that will be a perfect time and venue to relax, enjoy and spend time with friends and family.

“Food has always been rooted in our culture and this July, Globe Platinum welcomes everyone to another weekend of The Gourmand Market - with it being a great venue for family, friends, and foodies alike. It will be another chance to be inspired and try something new. We especially look forward to what the merchants have prepared for their Globe Platinum dishes. Trying out these dishes may even let guests bring home special tokens,” says Kaisie del Carmen, Globe Platinum Brand Head. 

Upon entry, guests will be given Loyalty Cards to complete during their foodventure. Each purchase of a Globe Platinum dish available at select merchants, earns a signature for the card. Special tokens await those who complete up to 10 Globe Platinum specialties! Customers also get to dine in the chic and comfortable Platinum lounge, complete with complimentary drinks. 

At the lounge, customers will also learn about the new Platinum Lifestyle Plan No Lock-up options. The latest and most powerful Platinum plans yet, these new No Lock-up plans are designed for internet-heavy users who are now more liberated in being always ON locally and even when abroad!

Platinum Lifestyle Plan No Lock-up variants have double the data allocation as well as built-in unlimited data roaming. Platinum clients can enjoy 20 GB of mobile data plus 2 days of unlimited roaming per month for Plan 3799 and 4 days/month for Plan 4999. On Plan 7999, customers get 6 days/month of unlimited data roaming and a supersized 40 GB of mobile data.

To learn more about the inspiring world of Globe Platinum and its services, visit www.globe.com.ph/platinum.

Globe calls on DICT to enable the sector by getting rid of bureaucratic red tape

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Globe Telecom welcomes DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima’s call for “good public service” from telco operators in the country. 

Globe said that it remains committed to its purpose of strengthening the nation through ICT by continuing investments in the sector. “Globe invests millions of dollars annually for network expansion and service improvements,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo. In terms of capital expenditures, the Philippines ranks second to China with almost 30% of telco revenues spent on CAPEX, the second highest in Asia.

“Further, Secretary Salalima’s proposed executive order to help rationalize the permitting process for telco infrastrusture, once in place, would be a respite from the difficulties we encounter in putting up cell sites and right-of-way issues for fiber optic cables,” added Castelo. The reduction of bureaucratic red tape was also presented by the company as a key measure that local government units can implement to help the sector, during the recently concluded Regional Competitiveness Summit, chaired by Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines. It is important for the government to play its role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of the sector. If put into action, “this bodes well with what the public really wants, a better internet experience,” said Castelo.

Castelo also said that Globe will continue to roll out new network capacities using the spectrum assets it gained as a result of the joint buyout of SMC's telco assets. Reacting to the recent statement of the PCCI, Castelo clarified that the company is not hindering the PCC from doing its job. 

“We are not in any way blocking the PCC from performing its mandate. In fact, we repeatedly invited the PCC to exercise its plenary powers under Section 12 of the Competition Act to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies on this transaction for possible violations of the Act. Globe has consistently relayed to the PCC its willingness to submit to this investigation, and Globe is confident that all its actions pertaining to this transaction are all legal and above-board as certified by its legal counsels,” he said.

All parties should abide by the provision of Memorandum Circular 16-002 and this includes the PCC who is expected to uphold its own rules and the Philippine Competition Act.

"Globe followed to the letter the rules of the PCC, and the same should be appreciated by the PCC,“ Castelo added.

Try this best fried you've never tried! Kenny Rogers’ OMG Unfried Fried Chicken!

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Fried chicken is one of the most universally loved foods around. It has become regularly present at our dinner table.

We always made fried chicken, get right down to the basics: Battered, breaded or plain, with a flour dredge, egg dipped, then flour coated, sometimes in seasoned flour, double-dipped in flour, egg and flour, breaded, or corn flakes, and or with other ingredients.. . and of course, cooked in hot oil. Fried Chicken!

Having lunch/dinner outside, enjoying eating most decadently delicious food, most tantalizing, crowd-pleasing variations on the classic chicken. Cooked in oil, but fried chicken is comfort food at its finest. 

But we need to have health food. Healthy and delicious – two of the best qualities that a food can have coupled into one outrageous, mouth-watering and guiltless fried food.

Who knew healthier fried chicken is possible?

Yes,  Fried chicken is the ultimate Pinoy comfort food, especially when it’s perfectly cooked. Imagine the crispy skin that crumbles and crunches with every bite, the juicy, wonderfully tender meat paired with a spoonful of soft, fluffy steamed rice. Yum!

Sadly, fried chicken lovers often feel remorse, knowing that their favorite treat is unhealthy. It’s quite difficult to argue the case for fried chicken, since this dish is traditionally deep-fried in oil. 

According to the Harvard University School of Public Health, those who eat a lot of foods fried in oil are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Though there’s no need to worry and give up the delectable fried chicken—since fried chicken without the guilt is possible. OMG, really?

Kenny Rogers Roasters’ OMG Unfried Fried Chicken is here—an outrageously mouthwatering, guiltless treat for those who just can’t give up on the wonders of fried chicken. This new innovation is next-level fried chicken: juicier, more delicious, crispier, and all without deep-frying.

Mackis Tuazon, Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines Marketing Manager to an exclusive OMG Unfried Fried Chicken bloggers event, held July 16, 2016, at Kenny Rogers ROASTERS Katipunan, Quezon City.

Kenny Rogers’ OMG Unfried Fried Chicken is good for you. Why? 

Recently, We witness how Kenny Rogers ROASTERS’ newest OMG Unfried Fried Chicken is cooked to achieve a perfect mix of guilt-free and flavourful. We see how the product is being made; in an exclusive kitchen raid, hear and learn about the product’s secrets from Kenny Rogers ROASTERS representatives and of course, taste the OMG Unfried Fried chicken that’s air-fried into perfection.

Here are the top four reasons why the new OMG Unfried Fried Chicken is better!

• Less oil, fried no more. The OMG Unfried Fried Chicken, unlike most fried chicken products in the market, is not deep-fried, but rather, cooked through circulating hot air. The result: the skin is still crispy, the meat is juicier with the chicken’s natural oil, and there’s no excess oil used in the cooking process. It’s pure fried chicken goodness minus the health-endangering oil and deep-frying!

• Deliciousness without the guilt. Great flavors don’t have to mean feeling guilty hours after a heavy meal. With the OMG Unfried Fried Chicken, even the health-conscious can partake in fried chicken indulgence since there’s only pure flavor with every protein-packed bite. Less oil and zero guilt!

• It’s perfect with amazingly healthy sides. Fried chicken without tasty sides is just sad—at Kenny Rogers Roasters, it’s easy to complete the dining experience with a variety of healthy, freshly cooked sides, such as steamed vegetables, corn and carrots, salads, and more. For only P215.00, customers can get 2 pcs. of OMG Unfried Fried Chicken with 2 regular side dishes, white rice, and a muffin. Healthy, balanced meal!

• It’s perfect for sharing. Why not share the deliciously healthy love with the entire family, office, or barkada? The OMG Unfried Fried Chicken comes in a Group Meal with eight perfectly unfried fried chicken pieces, four muffins, four rice, four regular sides, gravy, and the customers’ choice of drink for only P730.00 or for pure OMG Unfried Fried chicken goodness, there’s the 8-piece also ideal for sharing (P465.00). 

ABOUT KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS 

Kenny Rogers Roasters, the leader in deliciously healthy eating, operates in Metro Manila, North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Served in a fast casual dining ambiance, our menu of home-style family food, top billed by our Famous Roasted Chicken, meets consumers’ demands by leveraging on healthy, delicious and high quality products. Through its 61 stores in the Philippines, Kenny Rogers ROASTERS has been providing a deliciously healthy habit since 1991.

To know more about Kenny Rogers Roasters, follow the Facebook and Instagram at @kennyrogersPH or visit us at http://www.kennys.com.ph/. 

Ethiopian Airlines Anticipates its Dreamliner Service with 787 Dream Adventure Treat

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Roundtrip Fares Start from 787 for Economy and 1787 for Business Class

In time for its 70th anniversary globally and first in the Philippines, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and aviation technology leader, is about to welcome its 787 Dreamliner, a new generation Boeing aircraft, to service the Manila – Addis Ababa Route. To celebrate this milestone, Ethiopian Airlines is offering travel deals from Manila to dream destinations in Africa, America and Europe via Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dream Adventure Treat. 

For a minimum spend of $787 [US Dollar] for Economy Class and $1787 [US Dollar] for Business Class, passengers from Manila are given roundtrip travel opportunities to over 90 international destinations all over the world including Addis Ababa, Cairo and Capetown in Africa; Paris, Rome, Madrid, London and Frankfurt in Europe; and Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Toronto and Sao Paulo in the Americas.

For flights with long layovers, Ethiopian Airlines provides a free stopover to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which covers meals and transit visas. 

Ethiopian Airlines also provides travel time-out opportunities to passengers who would like to break their journey to explore and stay longer in Addis Ababa for an additional fee. Tour recommendations are generously provided to those interested to explore the country. 

Ethiopian Airlines has won various awards for its exceptional international services, playing a significant role in connecting Africa to the rest of the globe. Winning the 2016 and 2013 Skytrax Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa, and the Passenger’s Choice Award for Best Airline, it operates new, ultra-modern, and environment-friendly aircraft and provides exceptional in-flight service for both economy class and “Cloud Nine” (business class) passengers. 

For its exclusive 787 Dream Adventure promo, Economy Class flyers get to enjoy a total of 46kg baggage allowance, inclusive of fresh and varied meals of the highest quality, and a complete range of beverages including a choice of excellent red and white wine.

Ethiopian Airlines passengers flying on “Cloud Nine”, its Business Class service, are entitled to 64-66kg baggage allowance, a personal in-flight entertainment system, full-course meals made by proficient and experienced chefs, and a selection of signature drinks that can be enjoyed as aperitif or compliment to their meals. 

For flight bookings, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com or call the Ethiopian Airlines Reservations Office (632)8489878/79, (632)5222095 or (632) 5224869. For more information on destination packages to Ethiopia, please visit https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/ 

Promo period is from 15 July 2016 to 15 August 2016. Travel period is from 1 August 2016 to 1 August 2017. 

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seven decades of operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success.

Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 92 international destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft.

Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers: Ethiopian Domestic and Regional Airline; Ethiopian International Passenger Airline; Ethiopian Cargo; Ethiopian MRO; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian In-flight Catering Services; and Ethiopian Ground Service. Ethiopian is a multi-award winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.