Call for Startups! Join this year's Mobile Challenge Asia Pacific!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you have a new innovative idea related to mobile?
Do you have an early stage start up in the mobile sector?
Are you an entrepreneur at heart?


START IN YOUR COUNTRY, END IN BARCELONA

Global Mobile Challenge is an entrepreneurship competition where innovators from around the world first compete in their global region to win a trip to Barcelona to take the overall crown. In partnership with 4YFN (Four Years From Now) and Mobile World Congress, The Global Mobile Challenge brings together teams from every continent through regional competitions culminating in a finals in Barcelona in 2017.

This is the biggest mobile application competition for young entrepreneurs & innovators from all over the world featuring apps, IOT and other mobile solutions in both software and hardware.


PHILIPPINES TIMELINE

August 2016
Online Team Registration open
www.mobile-asia.com

September 2016 - Acceleration Days

Sign up for slots now!
Sept. 10 (Makati City)

Click here for details and updates for Manila
Sept. 14 (Cebu City)
Click here for details and updates for Cebu
*Online mentoring will be scheduled to support teams who cannot attend Acceleration Days.

October 17, 2016
Deadline of Submission of Proposals

November 2016
Selection of Top 20 Teams
Philippines Country Finals


Top 3 teams will represent the Philippines at the Asia Pacific Regional Finals for a chance to join the Global Finals in Barcelona Spain during the Mobile World Congress on Feb 27 - March 2, 2017.

ELIGIBILITY
- The team must consist of 2-6 applicants
- At least one applicant from the team has to be between the ages of 18 and 35
- At least one applicant from the team has to be a resident of a participating country
- Applicants should not have any current Venture-Capital funding of more than USD $250,000


Eager to transform your ideas into reality? What are you waiting for? Sign up now and join MCAP Philippines 2016!!!

Feel free to share this to startups and entrepreneurs in your network. For more information, visit our website at www.mobile-asia.com and follow us on Facebook. You can also contact MCAP team at info@mobile-asia.com

Globe Telecom Signs P20 Billion Term Loan Facility

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom, Inc. signed a 12-year and 15-year P20 billion term loan facility arranged by First Metro Investment Corporation with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company as lender. The loan shall be used to finance the acquisition of a fifty percent (50%) equity interest in Vega Telecom, Inc., Bow Arken Holdings Company, Inc. and Brightshare Holdings Corporation (collectively, the “Companies”), including capital expenditures related to the acquisition.

Referring to our related disclosure of May 30, 2016, Globe Telecom’s acquisition relates to the Companies owning and operating telecommunications services including frequencies, licenses, and all other assets. Given that Philippine telcos are having difficulty improving the quality of mobile data services because of continued challenges with site acquisition for cell sites and the intensely bureaucratic permitting process of many local government units, having the additional spectrum will provide some relief as it will immediately add new capacity with the existing number of sites.

Mobile internet customers are expected to benefit from the added capacities and greater geographic coverage that the additional spectrum can provide, particularly that of the 700 MHz frequency. This exemplifies Globe Telecom’s continuous commitment and investments in improving the network and quality of service. These investments will enable Globe to support the data needs of existing and new customers and allow them to enjoy their digital lifestyles.

Globe, PNP Sign MOU to Operate Text Bato Hotline for Crime Prevention

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PNP officials led by PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (2nd from right) , leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the country’s telco providers. Globe Telecom General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo (2nd from right) signs on behalf of the telco operator.

Globe Telecom signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police to operate Text 2286 (Bato), a SMS hotline providing an access for the public to directly report incidents to PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Aside from ensuring inbound and outbound SMS accessibility for Text Bato, Globe is also providing an interactive platform for the hotline that would immediately address police concerns. “Globe is aware that the availability of an affordable and accessible communications system is an effective tool in crime prevention. We hope that a system integrator for Text Bato will significantly enhance the PNP’s readiness to address the public’s police concerns and thus improve the peace and order situation in the country in general,” Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said.

The MOU provides that in addition to providing an alignment of the integrator and vendor of the SMS platform that provides the hotline for the PNP, Globe will also extend support in disseminating information on the Text Bato hotline to increase public awareness.

Fortifying Wireless Security Key To A Robust Network

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Most organizations think they have their security taken care of but ironically, CIOs today are not accounting for how their network is actually accessed. A single user may be logged on through multiple devices: a phone, a tablet, and a laptop. There could also be myriads of devices on the network that IT doesn’t even know about.

According to Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cybersecurity solutions, this disconnect is driven by Shadow IT - the result of unbridled use of unapproved devices and services on the network. Shadow IT includes consumer or enterprise applications in the cloud, such as file sharing apps, social media, and collaboration tools. There is often no corporate policy or decision to allow this, and most of the time it is unknown by anyone on their IT team.

“The fact is, about 90 percent of employees and guests are connecting to their network wirelessly and yet wireless APs are often less secure than the wired perimeter. The proliferation of devices and applications is posing serious challenges for organizations that need to ensure the protection of their entire network and guard against advanced cyber security threats,” said Jeff Castillo, Country Manager, Fortinet Philippines. “It is critical that a security solution map users to devices and control access accordingly and accurately.”

Gartner Group predicts that 33 billion endpoints will be connected by 2020, of which the majority of these devices will be wireless. As more and more wireless devices enter the workplace, companies are striving to maintain the security of their wireless networks.

“When it comes to devices in the workplace, one often thinks of smart phones, laptops, and tablets. But today’s wireless endpoints comprise more than those traditional devices. Organizations may also deploy wireless IP cameras, location-based beacons, and other small devices which often are not capable of supporting traditional security solutions. So this means companies have more and more vulnerabilities to protect for the foreseeable future,” said Castillo.

The growing number of small devices that are not able to support security is one challenge. But even traditional wireless devices – smart phones, laptops, tablets – can create security gaps due to the number of mobile applications they run, both for personal and professional use. Contact management apps, games, shopping websites, and even legitimate online news outlets may be infected with malware without the user’s knowledge. This can, in turn, affect the enterprise network as a whole. Users sharing their log-in credentials with guests, or not changing their passwords regularly can also lead to security gaps.

Securing business communications, personal information, financial transactions, and mobile devices involves much more than network access control. It also requires actively scanning for malware, preventing access to malicious websites, end-point integrity checking, and controlling application usage. Protecting Access Points (AP) is paramount to a sound wireless security strategy, and to securely extend physical coverage for users. Today’s APs not only need to support high density environments, but also support security features like Application Visibility & Control (AVC), Wireless IPS (wIPS), and Rogue monitoring —all without the loss of performance.

“Companies need a fabric with deeply integrated security systems that share information across all areas, including wired, wireless, VPN, and cloud environments. When the integration is coupled with machine learning capabilities, the system can flag abnormalities more accurately and more rapidly, and coordinate responses between different security deployments. All of this contributes to better response time for organizations in mitigating threats,” said Castillo.

Debunking Outsourcing Myths

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Outsourcing is an emerging strategy used by many organizations today to keep their business operations efficient and profitable.

Outsourcing allows companies to assign certain business operations to outsourcing firms rather than accomplishing it internally, thereby, reducing manpower expenses and other operational costs without sacrificing operational efficiencies.

However, despite its obvious benefits, there are still some companies that do not yet fully appreciate the advantages outsourcing brings to a business. In fact, they often look at the practice as an added expense rather than an opportunity to cut costs.

Prople, Inc., one of the leading business outsourcing companies in the country, lists some misconceptions about outsourcing and what are the truths behind these myths.

1.    Outsourcing can only reduce costs

Truth be told, outsourcing primarily reduces costs.  However, this is only one of its many benefits. Outsourcing also helps increase productivity because the personnel assigned to the task is usually highly trained for the job. This means that less or no training is needed for the task to be done. In the long run, it increases efficiency and productivity because it allows companies to focus on their core business instead of spending time, effort, resources and manpower on these processes.

2.    It saves money but the quality of the services are at risk

When a job is outsourced, it is assigned to a group of people with the prerequisite skills set. This means that the people working on the job are experts who know what needs to be done, thus, reducing the chances of poor work quality.

3.    Less management control over the specific task and results

Even if the job is outsourced, it doesn’t mean that clients have no control of the output or the outsourced staff. It is a standard among BPO firms to guarantee timely and specific deliverables ensuring that the integrity of the output is maintained and that the staff assigned perform at excellent levels at all times. Companies that outsource usually interface regularly to make sure that the quality of the work is sustained.

4.    SMEs cannot benefit from outsourcing

While outsourcing seems to be done mostly by large companies, what many don’t realize is that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit better from outsourcing. Hiring people will mean that resources are allocated for salaries, benefits, and other mandatory government payments. Outsourcing takes away the need to pay the required salaries as the fees paid to an outsourcing firm are based on a specific set of deliverables. Once the task is completed, the costs discontinue.

5.    Outsourcing causes loss of jobs

BPOs cut down the workloads of an enterprise by accepting minor tasks, like for payroll and tax services among others. Instead of hiring people to work on these, a company may open other positions that will help them focus more on their business core. Furthermore, outsourcing opens up employment opportunities for people who prefer working on a per project basis.

Prople Inc. was established to assist local enterprises of any size. As one of the leading business processes outsourcing companies, it delivers proven, best-in-class methodologies and solutions to ensure their customers’ business stability and progress.

It is staffed by value-driven employees, such as accountants, auditors, project managers, business analysts, engineers and IT professionals, who are rich in adequate professional experiences that may help companies realize true benefits of outsourcing.

Overall, it aims to produce practical outputs including increase of efficiency, immediate start on new projects, control of capital costs, reduction of labor costs, maintaining the focus on the business core and preventing risks that threaten the success of enterprises, and these are what Prople, Inc. desires to provide.

For a complete list of Prople, Inc.’s services, kindly visit its website at https://www.propleinc.com/.

A New Generation of Filipino Contemporary Dance Emerges in “Bagong Sayaw” this September 10 – 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Six brave choreographers are set to push the boundaries of dance with the young dancers of Ballet Philippines II this September with “Bagong Sayaw”, to be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).

Translated as “new dance”, this production celebrates just that – the emergence of fresh ideas expressed in various choreographic forms. The choreographers featured in this production are Al Bernard Garcia, Erl Sorilla, Gia Gequinto, Bonifacio Guerrero Jr., Danilo Dayo Jr., and John Ababon.

“’Bagong Sayaw’ is a venue for us to give our young dancers and choreographers the necessary challenges and for them to be able to grow as artists,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “They say that experience is the best teacher, but more than that, we also think it’s important to let their voices be heard.”

Taking the stage for this production are the dancers of Ballet Philippines II, BP’s junior performing company. It is composed of the most outstanding apprentices and scholars of the company and the Ballet Philippines Dance School. Through various performance opportunities, the dancers not only develop their talents in performance and choreography, but they ultimately help fulfill BP’s commitment to the development of the youth and of dance in the country.

“Bagong Sayaw” will be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater) from September 10 & 17 at 6:00PM and September 11 & 18 at 3:00PM. Tickets are priced at Php 600, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #bagongsayaw

The Future of Education – Understanding the Generation Z

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What does the future of education look like? Will online learning platforms and touch-enabled 3D images replace textbooks, classrooms, and… teachers?!

I personally believe that technology will NEVER replace teachers. Regardless of how high-tech our world can get, no touchscreen device or voice-activated bots can educate our children on values, life skills and human interaction.

However, I also believe that there is a need for the education sector to realize that times are indeed changing, and whether we like it or not, the way WE used to learn in the classroom is no longer effective in the 21^st century.

Because of technology, kids today do not need adults in order to get information. The internet has given kids access to uncensored content too much too soon, and it is our responsibility as parents and teachers to provide the CONTEXT – to guide them in organizing and interpreting what they see.

This, together with some helpful ways of understanding today’s youth, is something that I was blessed to share as one of the speakers at the recently concluded 8^th Education Summit in Balanga, Bataan on August 30 and 31. The summit was organized by the City of Balanga in partnership with the Department of Education, gathering thousands of parents and teachers to learn about the latest developments in the field of education.

Public Advisory: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Replacement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In light of the official announcement by Samsung to voluntarily replace the Galaxy Note 7 of its customers, Globe is closely coordinating with Samsung for specific guidance on the detailed replacement process.

We will facilitate the replacement of your device with a new Note 7 as soon as Samsung is able to provide the replacement units. If you do not wish to wait, you may opt to replace your Note 7 with another preferred device based on availability.

We will get in touch with you directly via SMS or our official social channels within the next 3 days to know your preference for device replacement. Be assured that we will make this process as easy and convenient for you as possible.

Your safety is important to us. For our customers who continue to use the Note 7 please take the necessary precautions. Use only the original battery charger that came with the unit.

For any questions or clarifications, you may get in touch with us via talk@globe.com.ph. To view Samsung’s official statement, visit http://news.samsung.com/global/statement-on-galaxy-note7.

TE SubCom Announces Completion of Third Network Upgrade to South-East Asia Japan Cable System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TE SubCom, a TE Connectivity Ltd. company and an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology, announced the on-schedule completion of its third network upgrade to the South-East Asia Japan Cable (SJC) System.

The upgrade of the system, which connects Brunei, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines, increases system capacity by 6.3 Tb/s using TE SubCom’s latest 100 Gb/s coherent transmission technology (C100U+). The third upgrade of the 8,986 km system is in service and meets the growing capacity needs for businesses and communications across the Asia-Pacific region.

“TE SubCom strives to bring value to its customers by delivering state-of-the-art systems on schedule and at the highest standard of reliability,” said Debbie Brask, Managing Director, Project Management and Marketing Communications, TE SubCom. “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the SJC members by providing a crucial technological advancement to an area in need of significantly more capacity than has been available to date.”

The SJC consortium is composed of Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad (BIG), China Mobile International Ltd. (CMI), China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom), China Telecom Global Limited (CTG), Donghwa Telecom Co. Ltd (DHT) (a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom, Co., Ltd.), Globe Telecom, Inc., Google, KDDI Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin a subsidiary of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk), and TOT Public Co., Ltd. (TOT).

iDEFEND Questions "State of Lawless Violence"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) strongly condemns the Davao City Night Market bombing which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 67 others. This calculated, deliberate, and brutal assault on defenseless civilians is intolerable, and the perpetrators of this most atrocious act should be brought to justice through diligent, affirmative, yet lawful actions by the Duterte administration.

iDEFEND commiserates and sympathizes with the loved ones of the victims of the bombing, and extends its sincerest condolences and solidarity. We strongly disapprove that the issues of terrorism, drugs and extrajudicial killings are being conflated when these are distinct issues requiring different approaches. 

Moreover, mobilizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines to become direct participants in the issue of drugs, will further escalate rights violations of various kinds. Instead of abating the Extrajudicial Killings, this will even increase its uptake. There have already been too many deaths - including those of very young children- since the President’s assumption into office. We know, being a grassroots movement, that nationwide conditions is far from the threshold of “lawless violence” as stipulated in section 18 of ARTICLE VII of the Philippine Constitution. For this reason we question the nationwide mobilization of the military. There is no widespread absence and breakdown of law, peace, conditions of disorder and chaos, despite a bombing event in one city. What warrants a nationwide red alert now when in previous years, a spate of bombings in Davao merited only a state of emergency in the city? 

What is clear, however, is that the state’s widespread and hard-lined approach on drugs, including the statesanctioned and unaddressed killings, has compromised the safety of the public. IDEFEND calls on President Duterte to act with discernment and prudence. We urge for a level- headed and well-planned government response, firmly anchored on the respect for human rights, particularly the right to life of ALL Filipinos, as well as democratic tenets and safeguards enshrined in our Constitution. 

This well- considered solution should be proportionate to what confronts us, and should be free from unnecessary excesses. We believe that an exaggerated government response will give rise to new problems such as the further escalation of violence and disregard for human rights. 

Militarization, especially in a situation where authorities have not clearly spelled out what the state of lawlessness means, will usher in a climate of fear and an overall chilling effect for everyone. We are perplexed by the fact that the President has chosen the path of militarizing the PNP mandate, publicly pronouncing that “security forces will run the country according to his specifications” and that “the military and police can really do what they want to address the problem.” Such a top-heavy response and a wanton declaration of lawlessness is perilous and misleads from what the national situation really is. 

In line with principles of transparency and accountability, iDEFEND asserts the need for inscribing formally on paper his “state of lawlessness” decree so that its parameters can be better understood and the risks it presents can be effectively checked. 

In light of President Duterte’s consistent attitudes towards human rights, we are concerned that this decision will further overstep the boundaries of law. It is lamentable that the statements of Pres. Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana attribute the bombings to democracy. Similarly, the statements of Presidential Spokesperson Peter Tiu Laviña attributing the bombings partially to political opposition is very irresponsible and begs explanation, and presents itself as the real threat to democratic space. 

iDefend also calls on the President to ensure that the work of all branches of government, primarily the Senate, Judiciary and all Constitutional Commissions remain unrestricted, independent and effective. We also appeal to the Duterte administration to ensure the safety of civil society groups and individuals, whether or not his views are shared by these indispensable actors for change.