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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Hontiveros Leads HIV Testing, Pushes for Passage of HIV-AIDS Policy Bill


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As part of the World AIDS Day on December 1, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday underwent a voluntary HIV testing at the Senate. She said the test aimed to lift the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and show the public that there is nothing to fear, or to be ashamed of, in accessing these crucial preventive practices.

“It’s a test that can spell life or death," Hontiveros said, citing data from various agencies on the rising epidemic of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, an infection that can lead to the breakdown of the body’s immune system through Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, lamented the stigma surrounding HIV and HIV testing. “We need to break down this barrier that prevents Filipinos from getting tested, especially that 1 in 2 persons living with HIV is not diagnosed," Hontiveros said.

The Senator said, if not curbed, there will be 133,000 people living with HIV in the Philippines by 2022. 80% of new infections come from men having sex with men. The median age of those diagnosed with HIV is below 35 years old.

"Young people are at the losing end of the fight against HIV”, lamented Hontiveros, citing some of adolescents' "risky behavior", which could lead to the spread of the virus.

"We need information that leads to action. Behavioral change comes from people who are well-informed. As long as we discuss HIV and the need to be tested in hushed voices, more people are risking their lives," Hontiveros explained.

The Senator also urged the government to provide people access to free HIV tests and options to protect themselves from unsafe sex. "Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and saves lives. Prevention, early detection and treatment must be made available by the government. No one deserves a death sentence," said Hontiveros.

According to Department of Health (DoH), there are 25 new cases of HIV infection in the Philippines daily. Hontiveros said that the increase on the rate of HIV incidence in the country is alarming as global HIV incidence is decreasing.

The Senator maintained that new developments in prevention and treatment are available and must be maximized by the government. “A scientific, human-rights based, and gender-sensitive national policy is needed in order to address this rising epidemic”, Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros early this year filed Senate Bill No. 376 or the Philippine HIV-AIDS Policy ACT to update the government’s response framework. Her bill seeks seeks a comprehensive, inclusive and localized response towards HIV-AIDS. If passed, it will repeal Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine HIV AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. 


*Photo c/o Joseph Vidal, Senate PPRIB

SAP to Unveil SAP HANA 2


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SAP SE recently announced the SAP HANA 2 platform, the next generation of SAP HANA optimized for innovation. SAP HANA 2 includes and extends the proven technology from SAP’s breakthrough in-memory computing platform to provide a new foundation for digital transformation. In addition, new SAP HANA microservices are available by subscription through the SAP Hybris as a Service (informally referred to as “YaaS”) marketplace to spur developer innovation by embedding richer insight into modern applications.

“SAP pioneered in-memory computing with the launch of SAP HANA in 2010 and throughout our journey we have driven breakthrough innovation on a highly stable core data platform for our customers,” said Bernd Leukert, member of the executive board, Products and Innovation, SAP SE. “The release of SAP HANA 2 marks a milestone in the industry, as it represents the next generation of SAP HANA that will propel customers toward a successful and prosperous digital future.”

SAP HANA 2 is planned to be released to customers on November 30, 2016. The express edition of SAP HANA 2 will be available for delivery shortly after general availability to help organizations jump-start new development projects. As an innovation platform, SAP HANA 2 will deliver technology enhancements twice a year to support agile IT.

Can Your Cellphone Cause Acne?


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Too much exposure to mobile phone heat, not good for the skin.

People use mobile phones every day in more ways than one, unlike before when it was only meant for calls. Instant messaging came and it didn’t take too long for it to have games and other entertainment features such as a music player and a radio. Today, people use it to get information from the internet, while numerous apps have made it possible to do things with just the touch of their fingertips. But among the numerous features a mobile phone has, the camera is probably the most used of them all. From taking pictures and preserving memories to taking selfies and show off.

While mobile phones have given people the power to do things with just a swipe or touch of their fingertips, the constant use of mobile phones, especially those who are relentlessly taking selfies may cause some harmful effects on the skin. The heat coming from mobile phones is known to promote the number of antigens that could cause allergies, especially to those who already a history in having several allergic reactions. Combining this heat to the use of nickel and cobalt in the phone trimmings could also make the skin red and itchy. And with these skin irritation brought by having too much heat exposure from mobile phones, blemishes and acne could breakout on the skin.

Experts also have revealed gruesome details about the collection of dirt, bacteria, and other nastiness that builds up in cellular phone. When mobile phones get in contact to the skin to make a call, the skin is not only in direct contact with the bacteria, but it also starts to perspire and even trap oil in the pores. Worst yet, the pressure of the phone on the skin creates blemishes.

Luckily, America’s #1 acne treatment system, Proactiv Solution has a 3-Step System that is dermatologist-developed and is designed to help clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks, while gently taking care of the skin. This will also make the skin always ready for a selfie without having to use any filters before posting it online.

The Internet Can Make or Break Your Company - Converge ICT


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The Internet has emerged as one of the most important products of digitalization. Over the years, it has revolutionized the way enterprises run certain business processes given its numerous benefits and positive implications. However, as it continues to yield new innovations, its uses also come at the price of new risks to security.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and president of Converge ICT, if the Internet is not secure enough, enterprises become susceptible to incidents of data theft and attacks from malicious programs that may compromise business activities. These cases, also called cyberattacks, may also cause the loss of sensitive data such as consumer information, employee records, trade secret information, and intellectual property.

In a recent report, IBM, a global research firm, said that the number of cyberattacks across the globe now reached to 1.5 million cases annually. Seventy percent of these cases are left undetected and caused a total loss of $400 to $500 billion from its victims, including those from the business sector. Industry experts also predict that by 2019, these attacks are expected to cost of $2.1 trillion.

Internet users in the Philippines, composed mostly of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), have also experienced these problems.Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said that a total of 1,211 cybercrime incidents were filed with them from 2013 to 2015.

Russia Seeks Stronger Economic & Military Ties With Philippines, Supports Duterte Anti-Drug Efforts


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Russian Federation Ambassador Igor Khovaev on November 29 at the Pandesal Forum of 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City expressed optimism on strengthening of Philippine-Russia diplomatic, economic, military, cultural, anti-crime and anti-terrorism cooperation after what he described as “the successful meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Rody Duterte in Lima, Peru”. He said Russia looks forward to President Duterte’s 2017 state visit to his country as “a historic event”, that details are still being planned by both sides, that President Duterte prefers not to go to Moscow during the cold winter.

Khovaev stressed that Russia is against any closed military alliances which usually target third-party countries, that is why Russia has no military alliances in Asia but just close strategic partnerships with China, Vietnam and India. In the same way, Ambassador Kovaev said Russia seeks partnership with the Philippines, but not any military alliance.

Ambassador Kohvaev added that Russia can sell and export modern military equipments and arms to the Philippines, that Russia does not sell second-hand weapons or vehicles, that their military sales shall also include support for military training and technology transfers. He cited as a good example of a good customer for Russian military exports for decades is the country of Vietnam.

Ambassador Khovaev said he likes the Benguet province high mountains’ Arabica coffee served at Kamuning Bakery Café (he drank 4 cups), urging the Philippines to be more aggressive in exporting agriculture and food products to Russia. In eating the pugon-baked pandesal breads and trying the old-style pugon baking process of Kamuning Bakery Café, Khovaev also said Russia is today the world’s No. 1 biggest wheat producer but the Philippines still doesn’t import any Russian wheat yet. 

Color Manila Announces 2017 Events and Entry to International Market



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The story of Color Manila seemed like a love story. When Jay Em, President of Color Manila, stepped up on stage and told us their story, we thought we would then again turn teary-eyed after hearing him out.

But it was not as tearjerker as our teleseryes since Jay told us more about their many accomplishments which made us overwhelmingly happy for them. Not just because of their success as a company, but because they are also making a name for our country the Philippines. We were smiling more when they told us about their future collaborations in the international market like Dubai. With just five years, you'd think they are still a baby, but no, they are all grown up to compete even globally.

Fun Runs were never the same when they introduced their "color" concept in the country, and many other fun runs tried to emulate their style. But sure enough, nothing compares with the original. Watching the video presentation while waiting for the program to start gave us a positive outlook of Color Manila as they successfully captured the fun and excitement of being a part of the biggest fun run organized by fellow Filipinos.

The Color Manila media launch was held at Kerry Sports, Shangri-La the Fort on November 29, 2016. The event was hosted by Nikko Ramos and attended by the founders themselves, Jay Em and Justine Cordero - President and Vice-President of Color Manila respectively, together with International Relations Vincent Narciso, Fitness Coach and Athlete Chris Everingham, Running Coach and Color Manila Ambassador Ico Ejercito, Color Manila Events Manager Thera Reyes, and Ilocos Sur's Jose Paolo Gallardo, plus a special video presentation of Joshua Atkinson from Dubai announcing the international collaboration.

Flash Plus 2 Now Exclusively Sold at Lazada


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Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas

Flash Philippines is making this year’s yuletide season extra special for those who are looking for sleek and high-quality smartphones with both the stylish and future-forward features of Flash Plus 2. There are 2 memory variants for this, which are 2GB RAM with 16GB ROM and 3 GB RAM with 32 GB ROM.

Experience Flash Plus 2’s set of superior attributes which has been making an incredible mark with its fingerprint scanner, high-quality audio capabilities, and premium camera functions, all enclosed in a sleek metal casing.

In keeping the joy of the holiday season, you may now grab Flash Plus 2 for yourself and your loved ones for only. It is exclusively sold in Lazada.com with two color options— Luna Silver and Venus Gold. For the update prices, please visit link link – http://bit.ly/BuyFlashPlus2.


One: Age of Domination Media Launch at Vikings MOA


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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), held a luncheon for select members of the media at Vikings Mall of Asia late Tuesday, 29 November. Athletes in attendance included ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera, ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, and world title challenger Reece “Lightning” McLaren, as well as Filipino fighters Danny Kingad and Eugene Toquero.

Fighters are set to compete at ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION which takes place Friday evening, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Headlining the massive fight card is Brandon Vera who will defend his ONE Heavyweight World Championship belt against Japanese MMA standout Hideki Sekine.

Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, stated: “I’m ready to fight and defend my title. Training has gone great. I’m excited to step back inside the ONE Championship cage. I love the Philippines, this is my home. I’m here to help all of our Filipino fighters. I’m going to make sure I won’t be the last Filipino heavyweight world champion.”

Bibiano Fernandes, ONE Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I’ve competed all across the globe against the world’s best fighters, but even though I am a world champion, I feel I am still constantly improving. Martial arts is a continued pursuance of self-improvement and greatness. As long as I continue to improve and take on the biggest challenges, I am happy. Reece McLaren is the latest challenge and I am ready to face him.”

Reece McLaren, world title challenger, stated: “I’ve been an underdog my entire life. I excel in this position, it invigorates me. Bibiano Fernandes is a big hill to climb, but my skills and achievements have brought me to this stage in my career and I am going to do everything I can to take home the belt. This is a rare opportunity so I have to do my best.”

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

DOTr to Automatically Exempt Returning OFWs from Paying Airport Terminal Fee


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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday announced that returning Overseas Filipino Workers, whose tickets were purchased abroad, will be exempted from paying terminal fee by March 2017.

During the “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” organized by Samahang Plaridel yesterday morning, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that airlines have agreed in principle to automatically relieve OFWs who purchased their return tickets to the Philippines abroad from paying terminal fee.

Currently, the P550 terminal fee of returning OFWs are integrated with their ticket fee, and is refunded through MIAA refund counters in Philippine airports, which somehow causes inconvenience to OFWs.

“Airline have already agreed in principle, so, hopefully by March 2017, mawala na ang pangamba ng ating mga OFWs sa pagbabayad ng terminal fee,” Monreal said.

Monreal explained that the exemption will be fully implemented by March 2017 to give airlines time to update their programs and systems for this policy.

The DOTr, MIAA, and airline companies is yet to enter into a memorandum of understanding to formalize the agreement.

This announcement came on the back of other accomplishments of the DOTr in the aviation sector.

Among these achievements is the enforcement of a slot management system to ensure that flight departures are on time. The system has improved the on-time performance of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 47 percent to 71 percent since the new administration took over.

To address traffic congestion in the airports, MIAA is also coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow vehicles to pass through, especially along Andrews Avenue.

A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people welcoming and sending off passengers at the airport.

“Kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na kahit isa lang ang aalis eh napakarami nang naghahatid. Isinasaayos natin ‘yan,” Monreal said.

Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also boasted of the addition of Legzapi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports to the country’s night-rated airports. Roxas airport will also be able to accommodate evening flights before Christmas.


Importance of Emergency Powers


In the same forum, DOTr officials also reiterated the need for emergency powers to push for further improvements in the transportation sector.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Cherie Mercado assured the public that the Emergency Powers sought for will expedite service delivery, and will not be abused.

“Emergency Powers was proposed to get projects moving fast. May mga safeguards tayo dyan [such as] Congress oversight, TROs/injunctions to be filed only in the Supreme Court, and its compliance with the FOI,” Mercado said.

Mercado also guaranteed that the Department, led by Sec. Arthur Tugade, continues to perform while waiting for the emergency powers to be granted.

“Si Sec. Tugade ay nagtratrabaho nang tahimik. [He] is a man of accomplishments. He’s impatient for accomplishments, but he’s also a man of transparency.”

Lenovo Unveils the World’s First Tango-Enabled Smartphone


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Augmented Reality (AR) took the country by storm this year thanks to Pokémon GO but fans of the technology will have another reason to rejoice as Lenovo Philippines unveiled the much-awaited Phab 2 Pro.

Lenovo Phab2 Pro, the world’s first Tango-enabled smartphone provides users an elevated AR experience with Google’s Tango technology. The said feature can map physical spaces and overlay it with virtual effects, track objects, and map indoor spaces. Those abilities allow for new types of apps, experiments, and designs that previously couldn't be carried out on standard AR-enabled phablets out in the market.

At the launch, Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan expressed that the arrival will open up new opportunities. “With the limitless capabilities provided by Tango, we hope that the Phab 2 Pro can raise our customers to new heights by making them into designers, innovators, and builders with no boundaries stopping them.”

Buyers of the Phab 2 Pro are in for atreat as well as Google recently launched 25 Tango-enabled apps on Google Play. Want to turn your living room into a scaled-down version of the Solar System? Well, then Solar Simulator app should be just right up your alley! Once enabled, the app can automatically scale the entire Solar System to fit inside your room.


Innovation in Real Life Education


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TWO GIANTS in the education sector in the country and e-learning industry worldwide, STI and CYPHER LEARNING respectively, recently forged an agreement to provide students an innovative and engaging platform that will augment learning experience inside and outside the classroom.

Created by CYPHER LEARNING, STI utilizes NEO, a world-class and award-winning Learning Management System (LMS) used by schools and universities across the globe. NEO was ranked as #2 LMS for Higher Education in the “Top 50 LMS 2016 Rankings Report” by Craig Weiss, a distinguished e-learning industry analyst.

NEO LMS is cloud-based e-learning tool that gives teachers and students a two-way platform where they can collaborate, assign and submit homework, take assessments, and track learning progress among others.

“Integrating technology in the learning process helps students and teachers stay engaged and connected. Through NEO LMS, students and teachers can discuss online anytime, anywhere,” said Peter K. Fernandez, President and COO of STI Education Services Group, Inc. 

PhilBike Expo 2016 Wraps with Incredible Finish


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The PhilBike Expo, the only international-standard trade and consumer cycling show in the Philippines, closed its three-day weekend with an incredible demo from international powerhouses, Kenny Belaey, The Super Kids, and Viki Gómez held last November 25-27, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

Mutliple-World Championship rider, Kenny Belaey marveled audiences with a demonstration of “Balance” atop various obstacles inside the convention. He was followed by Japanese protégés, The Super Kids (14-year-old Yu Shoji and Takumi Isogai), who showed off their incredible flatland skills before a tremendous crowd. They were joined by their mentor, Flatland innovator & 3x flatland world champion, Viki Gómez. 2016 marks the Spaniard’s second trip to the Philippine islands where he returned to welcoming crowds who could not get enough of his gravity-defying skills.

In addition to its star-studded line-up featuring world-champion cyclists, the PhilBike-Expo was pleased to announce the arrival of Canadian Geoff Gulevich who began his career at the age of thirteen and rose to prominence as one of the best Mountain Bikers in the world. He is a highly-decorated risk-taker, known for his versatility and passion for the sport. 

Monday, November 28, 2016

Adto 'mo Didto!: OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo comes to Cebu!



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As part of the 15th year anniversary of Ex-Link Events, the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo goes to Cebu for the first time! As a way of thanking its partners for the past 15 years, Ex-Link Events gives opportunities for home-based and community livelihood enterprises to exhibit at the Expo.

Partnering with various organizations, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Rotary Community Corps, Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc., and the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig (District 3800), this first leg of the Expo outside of the country’s capital is expected to be a grand showcase to a variety of products and services for everyone!

There's more to this year's Expo: We are raffling off trips to Asia and Europe and Negosyo Packages to visiting OFWs, Seafarers and Families - to register, text OFWSME <space> REG <space> Facebook Email <space> Full Name and send to 0917-810-8983! Terms and conditions apply.

See items and offerings that will suit your taste this holiday season at the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo this coming December 2 to 4, 2016, Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu.

The OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo is supported by the following sponsors Metrobank, Landbank, Cebuana Lhuillier, PLDT Home, Citibank, Brother Philippines, Orchard Property Management Corporation, Azalea Vacation Club and Megaworld.

Special thanks to media partners Buhay OFW, Rotary on Air, Light Network, EntrepTV, Star Music, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessMirror, InfoTxt, Asenso Pinoy, The Manila Times, Pisig Ad Network, Diary ni Gracia, PSST.ph, MetroCebu News, Wazzup Pilipinas, YuneOh, Sun.Star Cebu and WhatsHappening.com.ph.

For information, contact (02) 633-0153, 643-3887, 0920-924-2532, 0920-981-4376 or email info@exlinkevents.com.

5th Globe Media Excellence Awards – Mindanao Winners Announced


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Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom announced the winners of the 5th Globe Media Excellence Awards - Mindanao who have shown exemplary communication skills in promoting sustainable development and bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.

The awards covered media organizations in four major cities in the region namely General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao.The outstanding media professionals and digital media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held in Marco Polo Hotel on November 22. They bested 432 other entries in the 12 categories.

“The critical role of media organizations and online communities in forming and shaping public opinion makes it imperative for organizations like Globe to institutionalize an award-giving body that recognizes outstanding, incisive, and impactful reportage. We see GMEA as an opportunity to give back to our media friends and our blogger and influencer partners, the honor that they deserve as we collectively create a world that is purposive and wonderful,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President, Globe Corporate Communications during her opening remarks.

For this year, GMEA was anchored on Globe Telecom’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to help create a Wonderful Philippines. The winning entries did not only embody quality and relevant content but also focused on any or a combination of four areas such as care for environment, care for people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.

Nippon Paint Reveals Winners of Prestigious Design Competition


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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently revealed the first winners of its prestigious design competition, Asia Young Designer Award (A.Y.D.A) during the awarding ceremony held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Nippon Paint executives together with industry professionals, competition judges and guests attended the event to witness the gold winners of the Architecture and Interior Design category who will be representing the country in the regional grand competition slated early next year in Jogyakarta, Indonesia.

A.Y.D.A, formerly known as Nippon Paint Young Designer Award was re-launched this year to reflect its widening reach and its increasing significance to the design scene in Asia. From its debut with 87 entries solely from Malaysia, the competition has grown to collect over 3,500 entries from last year across 12 different countries, namely the Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong its place of origin Malaysia. This year, AYDA was extended to three additional countries, namely Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan. The design tilt was first opened in the Philippines in 2014.

This year, the combined number of entries for both Architecture and Interior Design totalled to over 1,200 submissions coming from 27 major institutions all over the country. With the theme “Be Bold. Be Free. Be You”, the young designers are challenged to produce new and refreshing concepts or designs that encapsulate boldness, freedom and originality. 
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