Hitachi Data Systems Wins Two VMware Innovation OEM Partner of the Year Awards

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Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), today announced that it has been honored as a winner of two VMware Partner of the Year awards in the Innovation OEM Partner category for its exceptional efforts both globally and in EMEA at the VMware Partner Leadership Summit 2017.

The two awards recognize the company’s accomplishments in 2016, including unprecedented year-over-year revenue growth and continued integration between Hitachi Unified Compute Platform (UCP) offerings and VMware vSphere, vSAN, vRealize and NSX solutions. Furthermore, with its next-generation Programmable Data Center concept, HDS enables customers to consume IT and data services from both traditional and cloud-native workloads, addressing the needs of the entire application portfolio. 

“Digital transformation requires a modern, agile IT environment to take advantage of emerging trends and requirements. In collaboration with VMware, we’ve focused on engineering new ways to deliver capabilities that meet customer business objectives, reduce business risk and anticipate future customer needs. We appreciate the recognition for all that we’ve accomplished over the past year and look forward to expanding upon that success with VMware to help customers realize the power of their data for both today and tomorrow,” said Mike Walkey, senior vice president, Global Partner Organization, Hitachi Data Systems.

“For years, VMware and HDS have worked together to help customers on their transformation journey. In 2016, we raised the bar for our partnership with VMware in EMEA and globally. Our successful collaborations have resulted in a digital platform that offers flexibility, agility and a point from which customers can achieve outcomes above and beyond infrastructure modernization,” said Steve Furniss, vice president, Solutions and Products, Hitachi Data Systems EMEA.

“VMware is pleased to recognize this year’s Global Partner Innovation Award winners, which are given to a select group of partners for their exceptional efforts in 2016,” said Ross Brown, senior vice president, Worldwide Partners and Alliances, VMware. “VMware is proud to seeHitachi Data Systems win these awards and we look forward to our continued collaboration.”

ePLDT VITRO Makati and Clark: The Only Data Centers in PH with Global Tier 3 Certificate

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Companies are highly dependent on IT in delivering mission-critical services. With this, it has become a standard for colocation providers to design their data centers with high availability and efficiency in mind to ensure that their customers’ businesses are at their optimal state.

ePLDT, Inc., with its ongoing efforts to push for business resilience through its network of data centers, recently announced that its two flagship VITRO Data Centers in Makati City and Clark, Pampanga are the first and only in the country to receive the ANSI/TIA-942 Rated 3 Design Certificate. The standard is based on all physical infrastructure like site location, fire safety, architectural, electrical, mechanical, security, telecommunication and other critical data center requirements.

The guidelines set by ANSI/TIA-942 emphasized the redundancy design of the data centers to ensure the highest availability during unplanned maintenance and infrastructure expansion. This means that ePLDT’s data centers in Makati and Clark have a concurrently maintainable site infrastructure where each of its components—including all the circuit breakers, panel boards and power strips—can be removed, replaced or serviced without affecting the operations of colocation customers.

“Choosing the right data center that supports the growth trajectory of local businesses is a critical decision for owners,” said Nerisse Ramos, Chief Operating Officer of ePLDT Group. “Because of that, we designed our data centers based on the latest best practices in the industry, putting a premium on the business resiliency needs of today’s businesses in the country. To receive such certificate means that the data centers adopted international infrastructure design yet are flexible enough to suffice the needs of local businesses.” 

Ragnarok Online Closed Beta is Now Open

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Ragnarok Online (RO), the most popular MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) in the Philippines which revolutionized the landscape of online gaming will once again open the gates of Rune Midgard.

Publishing partner companies Electronics Extreme Ltd., and ELITE, began its CLOSED BETA TEST on June 20, 2017, 3:00 pm. Henceforth, beta testers got firsthand experience and involvement on this phase by helping the ROPH team in providing the best MMORPG experience.

During the Ragnarok Online’s Q & A Session, last May 12, 2017, Kamphee “Ken” Phiromwad, Managing Director of Electronics Extreme, and ELITE CEO Johnny Paek revealed some of the most awaited game details:

·         It will be protected by EasyDefender (Solid proof from Thailand), this improves the game experience with its anti-bot and cheat protection systems;

·         FREE TO WIN: All Key-items could be dropped in game. All you need is teamwork and assiduity. It will provide everything that gamers need to advance and thrive in-game;

·         An special Revo-Classic version of the game starting with the 2-1 class, with class 2-2 and high class expected within 6 months and 1-2 years, respectively;

·         The return of the demised Morroc Town;

·         Monsters will be back to their original spawn point and will ignore the level differences between players and monsters;

·         Guild Wars will be released within the first 3 weeks with Godly Items not be immediately available but will soon be released;

·         Customized events for the Philippines;

·         Revival of team competition through the Ragnarok World Championship; and

·         There will be 2 available servers in CBT, namely, Thor and Loki.

ELITE, ensures that there is a continuous improvement of game experience through gathering of data during and after CBT. There is also a 24/7 customer support that will be available to handle all concerns that the players may encounter.

*CBT Client ready for download on their official website.

Fil-Am Whiz from Silicon Valley to Keynote 5th Geeks On A Beach

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Helping raise roughly $40 million for a Silicon Valley company before it produced its first intelligent wearable headset is just one of several feats for this Filipino-American for a serial entrepreneur and "World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer" awardee.

Yobie Benjamin can talk about several amazing things during the 5th Geeks on a Beach (GOAB 5) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on August 24-25, said Tina Amper of TechTalks.ph and organizer of this annual tech startup event in the Philippines.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is GOAB co-organizer.

TechTalks.ph members Happy Garaje is responsible for branding; PRworks for media and public relations; and Sym.ph for web development of Geeks on a Beach.

“We hope the presence of Benjamin will inspire local startups and M SMEs. But more important, we are looking forward to having this global technology leader to interact with industry leaders and the startup community to drive action for the betterment of the Philippines and the world. GOAB continues to aim for measurable impact by facilitating potential projects and business deals not only for individual companies but also for the Philippine startup ecosystem,” Amper said.

For starters, Amper pointed out that this former political prisoner during the Marcos dictatorship days raised $40 million for Avegant, the company that makes and sells the Avegant virtual reality video headset and Skully, an intelligent motorcycle helmet that helps you see what is happening at the back, receive and make calls, and communicate with nearby vehicles.

Benjamin recently raised $18.5 million for Token that provides software to banks that enables them to issue a new payment type designed specifically for use in the digital era.

According to Amper, Geeks on a Beach gathers hundreds of technology entrepreneurs and professionals along with concerned government agencies to also look at ways of leveraging technology to help address Philippine social and environmental problems.

Amper said, this former political prisoner’s social concerns can be seen in his involvement in yet another company that is developing the ability to perform 50 diagnostic tests using only a drop of blood. This service, he said in a talk at Stanford University in Silicon Valley, will soon be given for free to whole populations in return for big data.

In Kenya, Benjamin is involved in Wildlife Works that sells carbon credits for protecting the rainforest and wildlife from poachers. The poachers, he said, included Al Shabbab terrorists. In Brazil, Benjamin’s company applied the same business model to mobilize the coastal population to protect mangrove forests.

Geeks on a Beach has partnered with the City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Known for its environmental advocacy, the city is the location of the world-famous underground river. The Tubbataha Reef, one of the world’s biggest ecosystem, is located some 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa.

PLDT Innolab is supporting GOAB 5 as co-presenter while A Space is co-producer. The sponsors include Payoneer, Z alora, PouchNATION, Istorya.net, Synergy 88 Digital, Uniform Solutions, and NXTLVL Academy.

The media partners are e27, Tech in Asia, Auza.net, Innopub Media, Geeks in Cambodia, Asian Journal Publications, Balikbayan Magazine, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, ConnectedWomen.co and QueenCityCebu.com, The organizational partners are the Philippine Software Industry Association, the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, UP CebuINIT, Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines, Developers Connect,Science and Technology Advisory Council - Silicon Valley, Mynimo, Teradoor, Israel Chamber of Commerce Philippines, and the Cloud Security Alliance Philippines.

GOAB is organized by Techtalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks.

NCCA, DOT Launch KulTOURa Mobile Travel Guide

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There is a new mobile app that can help tourists enjoy their stay in the country by giving them a better appreciation of Philippine culture and history. As a bonus, it’s great for students too.

This is the Kultoura Philippine travel guide app which the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched today in collaboration with PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications and InnoPub Media.

Representatives from Smart, NCCA, DOT and InnoPub sign the memorandum of agreement for the KulTOURa app at Rizal Park Visitors Center.

The Kultoura app features information on heritage sites, historic schools and churches, nature parks, popular attractions, famous landmarks and other must-see places in various parts of the country. The app also contains colorful details of the history of selected cities and provinces, including their famous personalities, delicacies and other interesting trivia.

Available as a free download for Android and iOS devices, the app is continuously being updated to provide more relevant content and encourage travelers to explore the country. It will soon offer other services such as a chat bot, which can give automated travel advice; allow users to take virtual tours; and enable purchases via a digital marketplace.

Though initially designed as an aid for tourists, the mobile app is also a handy resource for students. The comprehensive information found on the app can help them gain a better understanding of the rich culture and history of the country.

‘The Flats BGC’ Sets to Rise as First Dorm in BGC

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Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC), master developer of Bonifacio Global City, recently commenced with its first dorm development inside the city. Called The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue, the project is a dormitory building created for the city’s hundred thousand-strong workforce. It will rise along BGC’s prestigious 5th Avenue, across St. Luke’s Medical Center, and accessible to major thoroughfares EDSA, Kalayaan Avenue, C-5 Road, and 32nd Avenue.

FBDC is looking at BPO and office workers as potential occupants. 375 units in 16 floors will provide a total of over 1,500 beds. Each unit is fully furnished with a bed and mattress, workstation, wardrobe cabinet, toilet and bath, and a mini kitchen. This development will employ a dynamic property management team to take care of the administration, safety, and security.

“There is currently a strong demand for living spaces inside BGC, especially from employees. From current estimates of 120,000, we are expecting about a hundred thousand more workers coming in until 2019. FBDC wants to provide them alternative and relatively more affordable housing options to save them hours of commuting into the city considering the traffic congestion these days,” said Eli Yaneza, FBDC Business Development, Property Planning and Office Leasing Manager.

FBDC is now accepting partnerships with corporate accounts through lease arrangements for their employees. A handful of locators have already expressed inclination to include accommodations in The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue as part of their compensation package.

The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue serves as FBDC’s exploratory project on the trend of co-living ─ a modern, urban lifestyle that puts a premium on openness, sharing, and collaboration. This communal living setup allows individuals to enjoy the luxuries of aspirational modern homes at a fraction of the price. All occupants will enjoy the full benefits of a BGCitizenship, including primary access to the various events sponsored by BGC, as well as firsthand information on sales, promos, and other happenings.

FBDC broke ground for The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue in December last year after the project was awarded to infrastructure conglomerate Megawide. The Flats BGC at 5th Avenue will start operating by the start of 2019. More information may be obtained by contacting Eli Yaneza at esyaneza@fbdcorp.com.

GetGo Shop N’ Points Rewards Members with Points for Online Shopping

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Now, online shopping will not only bring you much savings and convenience, it can also bring you a lot closer to your dream travel destinations, for free!

GetGo, the lifestyle rewards program of Cebu Pacific, has partnered with Lazada for Shop N’ Points which rewards GetGo members with 1 point for every P10 spend at one of the country’s leading online shopping sites.

With Shop N’ Points, getting the best deals on clothing and fashion finds, health and beauty products, gadgets and accessories, travel and luggage, fitness and recreation can easily earn GetGo members rewards points, so they can avail of free flights faster.

To earn GetGo points from their online shopping, members need to log into their accounts at www.getgo.com.ph, click the “Shop N’ Points” tab under the “My Points” menu, and shop at Lazada or sites of other upcoming online shopping partners.

With this new point earning option, GetGo members can keep on shopping online so they can easily collect more rewards points to #flyforfree!

AXN Discovers Mesmerizing Talent During the Casting for Asia’s Got Talent

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Head spinning, death-defying, magical and breath-taking: aspiring stars emerged from all corners of Asia in May as AXN’s producers embarked on their search to discover the next generation of super stars for Asia’s Got Talent.

The leading entertainment giant held open auditions in six major cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines, Bangkok, Taipei and Jakarta. Over 5000 performers attended the auditions for their chance to take the spotlight on the world’s biggest talent show and for a shot at the grand prize of USD100,000 in cash.

Talented hopefuls could also apply via an online audition at AXN-Asia.com with some electing to do both to ensure maximum visibility in front of AXN’s producers.

“Asia’s Got Talent is the only series in the world that can unite such a culturally diverse region in a celebration of performing arts. We set out to discover the most inspiring talent of any age and with any dream, and we got all that and so much more.

“We were also struck by the richness of the personal stories that emerged during the auditions. Everyone has a story, and while the journeys may differ, the big dream remains the same,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

In the Singapore leg, one troupe of Malaysian acrobats queued from 4am; while in Manila, a father and son travelled overland for eight hours to perform a duet. Performers auditioned in the hope of winning the prize to help with family medical bills; while others, who came along as a support, decided to spontaneously audition on the spot.

“AXN is the home of original productions and Asia’s Got Talent continues our commitment to deliver premium content that engages and captivates our viewers with edge-of-your seat entertainment,” said Virginia.

The record-breaking series returns to AXN later this year, entertaining viewers with 10 episodes comprising five judges’ auditions, three semi-finals, the finale and the results show where the winner will be revealed.

Asia’s Got Talent is presented by official sponsor, Traveloka, the leading travel booking app.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAudition

www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent)



New Ratings Records in Asia

Season one of Asia’s Got Talent set new ratings records for the English general entertainment (GE) genre during its run, taking AXN to the number one spot in its timeslot among all regional pay-TV channels collectively across Southeast Asia and Taiwan.2

In Malaysia, Asia’s Got Talent was the highest rated entertainment series on English language channels on Astro in the past two years. In the Philippines, the Grand Final Results episode of Asia’s Got Talent was the highest rated pay-TV program in the country since 2008, and commanded a 96 percent share among 22 English GE channels. 3

Got Talent Globally

The Got Talent franchise was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced and owned by Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia. It is entered in the Guinness World Records as the Most Successful Reality Television Format in history with 70 local versions produced across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas. Around the world, the Got Talent format airs in a total of 186 countries. 

AXN: A leader in original productions

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including five seasons of the international Emmy-nominated The Amazing Race Asia; the Asian Television Award-winning Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; Cyril: Rio Magic; Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition; and the Asian Television Award-nominated Cyril: Simply Magic.

Davao Aguilas FC Back in Tagum for Next 3 Home Games

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Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC) are back in Davao for its next 3 home games taking place on June 21, 25 and 28, at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex.

Its match on June 21 at 4 p.m. will be up against FC Meralco Manila, led by the likes of Phil and James Younghusband; and is expected to be another crowd-drawer of a match. The last home match of Davao Aguilas FC drew a crowd of 4,384 local supporters.

On June 25, 2017 at 4 p.m., visitors from up North, Ilocos United Football Club, will be going against the home team. This will be the second time that these teams will go against each other, with their last match ending in a draw, with a score of 1-1.

And on June 28, Davao Aguilas FC will go up against the former UFL champs, Global Cebu FC. It will be the first time that the Aguilas will play against Global FC, so expect another exciting match. Former Global FC players Richard Talaroc and Andy Esswein are also currently with Davao Aguilas FC.

Davao Aguilas FC also just had its match against Stallion Laguna FC last Sunday, which ended in a scoreless draw. Its recent friendly with U22 on the other hand, ended with a score of 1-0, in favor of Davao Aguilas FC.

Tickets are available at the stadium. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.

District Gallery Opens Inaugural Group Show ‘Inhabit’ on June 25

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District Gallery Is A Newly Organized Art Gallery located at Arts Above West Venue building along West Avenue, Quezon City and is founded by The Artist Playground, an arts and performance company. The gallery aims to inspire, engage, excite and connect people through contemporary art. It is committed to providing a collaborative space and environment for emerging and established artists and likewise aims to maximize local and global opportunities thru institutional partnerships.

Fittingly, the inaugural show Inhabit showcases District Gallery as much it is about the exhibition. "Inhabit" thematizes on change, adaptation and speculation of reuse and negotiating the indelible traces of previous use and function as in this case, portions of a tax collection office that has been left unused and underutilized for a long time.

With this premise and context, various artist came up with different creative responses to dramatize such act of take-over and settling-in beyond the confines of spaces but possibly of habits, traditions and ideas. To open this new space is an act of embracing possibility.

The organizers of this newly christened artspace believes that artmaking can be produced and displayed anywhere beyond the usual precints of art. But more importantly, the gallery aims to be not only a place to view art but also to act as a community hub in which artists of all kind and disciplines as well as their followers can come to experience in ways the gallery

"Inhabit" gathers together artists of different creative persuasions, all of whom has made their own mark in the local art scene. These are : Mideo Cruz, Raquel de Loyola, Jes Aznar, Cian Dayrit, Buen Abrigo, Frances Abrigo, Cheese, Archie Oclos and Nasser Lubay.