Bohol’s first WiFi area: Tubigon offers free wireless internet access to all

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was TV host, model and editor Rovilson Fernandez. He was in Bohol to shoot Bohol’s sights and sounds for “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.  Rovilson was with his co-host Mae Bautista for Ang Pinaka "Yummy Series" and Abettinna Carlos for Ang Pinaka "FUN-tastic" in Bohol episodes. “Travel, food and friends make work feel like work,” said Rovilson. The Bohol episode is on Feb. 23 (that is today!), 5:45 p.m. on GMA News TV-11.

Seen: Out of 6,000 entries, journalist Ric Obedencio’s photo of Loon Church before it was razed down by quake on Oct. 15, 2013 was chosen as “Top 50 finalists Wiki Loves Monuments Philippines Photo Competition in 2013.” Ric has received the certificate just recently. “It's a simple certificate but priceless. I Thank God for this,” he posted on Facebook.

Scene: Spotted in Bohol yesterday were PBA legends Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Jerry Codinera in Purok Bato, barangay Cabawan in Maribojoc town for the unveiling of the Alaxan Court of Inspiration. The legends conducted basketball clinic and exhibition games with the locals.  The Alaxan Court of Inspiration, a project of Unilab for the community, by the community, stems from Alaxan FR’s advocacy of changing the negative perception of body pain.

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Hooray for free WiFi!!!

Mayor Marlon Amila

Well, the town of Tubigon is making history as Bohol’s first "Wi-Fi Area." Thanks to Mayor Marlon Amila who turned the town into a free Wi-Fi zone.

“No password. Absolutely free. All you have to do is check the available wifi in your gadget then open the webpage of the network provider (dost) and click GO TO INTERNET icon. Enjoy!,” said James Tripoli , Mayor Amila’s consultant on social and political affairs, broke the news last Friday.

We love free WiFi! In fact, many of us are seeking out restaurants and coffee shops with free Internet access. However, some business establishments are tightening rules for the free use of their Wi-Fi to help increase their sales. Since most WiFi have passwords, it is very rare to find a WIFI without a password (remember, “ang mabait na kapitbahay ay walang password ang WiFi!”).

To find it for myself, I went to Tubigon last Saturday to check the free WiFi. At the town plaza, I’d noticed the WiFi sign, so I tried using my tab. There really was WiFi connection and it was faster than I expected!

Isn’t it great?

Tubigon has joined in the race to roll out fast internet to the public which signals a newfound understanding of “digital rights.”

The free WiFi is embracing modern technology as the fastest way to achieve inclusive progress and equitable growth in this age of globalization. Many years ago, access to the internet was far from a luxury for the poor, now it is giving the poor access to advanced information and communications technology infrastructure that can change lives.

“This is an answer to the call of our netizens to provide free internet access in our downtown and it is a new sign of progress after the 7.2 magnitude killer quake,” said Tripoli. “The administration of Mayor Amila wants to come up with a method where we can make WiFi free to all. Soon, we no longer think of it as a luxury but as a commodity like electricity and water.”

Having a free WiFi in Poblacion is the first step in providing free wireless Internet to Tubigon’s 34 barangays as supported by the DOTC.

By the end of 2014, 60% of the town will be that way; the next year, coverage should reach 80%, according to Tripoli.

The response from Tubignons to the free WiFi has been overwhelmingly positive.

Emmanuel Nunez posted on Facebook: “Then information will readily become available to students and common people which is good. Smart people will become smarter. Information technology will boost up the overall economy.”

While there are those who are not yet ready for the free WiFi, Tripoli said, “We cannot please everyone. Expected nga naay dili ganahan sa atong bag-ong proyekto nga naangkon, in short haters or critics people. Like the old visayan saying says, 'Sa usa ka bulig, naay usa nga dunot'. Don't worry people. Our municipal officials headed by our Mayor Marlon R. Amila are doing their best for the reconstruction, repair of our public buildings and rehabilitation of our town. We cannot do these things in a short period of time. We need more time and while doing the rehabilitation effort, more projects are coming and we cannot just say NO to these projects as we want progress. We hope for your understanding, cooperation and continuous support to the present administration.”

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Here’s from Arlene Pisquera who shares her predictions of the Oscars 2014 fashion:

Oscars 2014 dress predictions: Will J Law wear Dior again?

From the Golden Globes last January until the Oscars in March, Hollywood becomes a blur of red carpets, gorgeous gowns, and golden statues.

The American Hustle, Gravity and 12 Years a Slave looking like they’ll fight it out for the big prizes. But, as the film buffs argue over who will take home the spoils, the fashion pack is, as always, far more interested in what might happen outside the ceremony.

Oscars is always exciting because the 2014 Oscar nominees have very impressive fashion resumes.

Remember Amy Adams who wore a jaw-dropping Oscar de la Renta gown last year? She always manages to make our best-dressed list. We are excited to see what she will wear this Oscars!

We have a feeling that the lovely Jennifer Lawrence, who is nominated for best supporting actress in American Hustle, will wear another Dior, which she is doing for the past years.

We’re sure Lupita Nyong’o, nominated in the best-supporting actress category for 12 Years a Slave, will constantly impress us with her fashion statement.

Finally, we're pretty confident that veterans Cate Blanchett, Meryl Street, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts won't let us down.

Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.(From EOnline and Oscars)

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