Hitachi Named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays

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Hitachi Moves from Challengers Quadrant to Leaders Quadrant; Evaluation Based On Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision

Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., announced it has been positioned in the Leaders Quadrant of the July 2017 Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays by Gartner, Inc., a leading global research firm. Hitachi believes its significant growth and enhancements to its all-flash Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) F Series product line resulted in the company improving its position, moving it from the Challengers Quadrant to the Leaders Quadrant.

According to Gartner: “Vendors in the Leaders Quadrant have the highest scores for their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. A vendor in the Leaders Quadrant has the market share, credibility, and marketing and sales capabilities needed to drive the acceptance of new technologies. These vendors demonstrate a clear understanding of market needs; they are innovators and thought leaders; and they have well-articulated plans that customers and prospects can use when designing their storage infrastructures and strategies. In addition, they have a presence in all four major geographical regions, consistent financial performance and broad platform support.”

Hitachi’s continued investments in the development of its flash software and hardware technologies have resulted in the delivery of a superior enterprise storage offering for its customers, backed by the most flash-related patents in the industry. Hitachi VSP F1500, which first debuted in October 2016, was purpose-built for businesses with large-scale data management requirements—including mainframe. It provides seamless cloud tiering, integrated analytics software and a unique 100-percent data availability guarantee. All VSP F series models are enhanced with flat service pricing, ongoing media replacement, and quality of service (QoS) controls to provide consistent performance over time. For customers in highly regulated industries or where data security is mission critical, the VSP F series conforms with secure data eradication services and meets the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) data security control standards.

“Hitachi takes pride in bringing continuous breakthroughs to market that help our customers to be as competitive as possible in the digital age,” said Ryuichi Otsuki, CEO of Hitachi Data Systems. “We are pleased to be recognized as a leader in the solid-state array industry and we will continue to challenge industry standards, while positioning our customers to succeed.”


To download a complimentary copy of the 2017 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Solid State Arrays report, visit: https://www.hds.com/ext/magic-quadrant-for-solid-state-arrays.html

World-Class Filipino Talent Takes the Spotlight at Ballet Philippines’ “A Gala Celebration” on August 18-20

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Catch the country’s preeminent ballet and contemporary dance company this August in “A Gala Celebration”. Ballet Philippines revives choreographic gems in a gala featuring Filipino stars from various international dance companies. Among the guest artists are Candice Adea (formerly of BalletMet and Hong Kong Ballet), Marcelino Libao (Hamburg Ballet), Kris-Belle Paclibar (formerly of Cirque du Soleil), Ronelson Yadao (formerly of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre), Paul Ocampo & Chien-Ying Wang (OcampoWang Dance), and Jean Marc Cordero & Rita Angela Winder (Ballett Kiel).

This production marks the return of Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance, as the company’s Artistic Director. Handpicked to showcase the excellence at the company’s core, the featured works include Agnes Locsin’s “Salome”, Bam Damian’s “Minamahal, Sinasamba”, Edna Vida’s “Vision of Fire”, Norman Walker’s “Summer’s End”, and an excerpt from the classical ballet “Raymonda”.

“This is quite an exciting time for all of us at Ballet Philippines, especially as we move towards our 50th anniversary in two years,” remarks Reyes. “The energy in our studios is electric! It is wonderful to see all of these artists coming together to perform these signature works from the company’s repertoire. Truly a cause for celebration!”

“A Gala Celebration” runs at the CCP Main Theater from August 18 to 20. This is the first production of the 48th Season, entitled “Quintessence”. The season’s lineup also includes “The Exemplars: The Best of Ballet Philippines (1970-1980) on October 20-22, Edna Vida’s “The Nutcracker” on December 1-10, and “Don Quixote” on February 9-18, 2018. Catch us!

Lamudi Philippines, Official Property Portal as Real Estate Industry in the Philippines Rise at the Real Estate Expo Manila 2017

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The demand for residential spaces, retail complexes, and other recreational spaces are continuously increasing and attracting foreign and local investors in the country.

AD Asia Conventions & Exhibitions International Corp. (AD Asia) welcomes Real Estate in the list of industries that have been emerging here in the country lately. REAL ESTATE , EXPO MANILA (REEM) 2017 is slated to take place on August 10-11, 2017 (CONFERENCE) and August 11-13, 2017 (EXPOSITION) at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

REEM 2017 is dedicated to Brokers, Practitioners, Investors, Realtors, Developers, and Potential Clients from around the globe to help showcase their latest infrastructures and developments in the 3-day Exposition and to impart their knowledge and experience with invited renowned Speakers in the industry like Bhavna Suresh of Lamudi Philippines, Jet Yu of Prime Philippines, Arch. Romolo Nati of Italpinas Development Corp., Alvier Marqueses of Hoppler and many more during the 2-day Conference.

One of the Speakers for the 2-day Conference and Partners of the REEM 2017, Ms. Bhavna Suresh, Chief Executive Officer of Lamudi Philippines stated, “We are much honored to be here as the Official Property Portal Partner for the Real Estate Expo Manila 2017 and we can’t wait to see you all in August.”

This event is in cooperation with Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP), in association with Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP) Makati, Golden Phoenix Hotel as the Official Hotel Partner, EastWest Bank as the Official Bank Partner, Renderbee as the Official VR Partner, Swedish Designs as the Official Contractor, and Avolution as Gold Sponsor, DOT Property as Silver Sponsor and Versa.ph, JVC Hengun Advertising Inc., MX3, and Santos Knight Frank as Bronze Sponsors. Lamudi Philippines as the Official Property Portal, Chase Technologies Corp. (CTC) as the Official Registration Partner, and Brand Philosophy as the I.T Solutions Provider for our Event Partners.

The event aims to deliver unparalleled success to business network opportunities where the industry player can come together, interact, and share their view in promoting and strengthening the real estate sector locally and globally. This is also to help out Filipinos in choosing the right property through a variety of selection from different real estate related companies.

For more information about the event, check out the official website at www.realestateexpomanila.com.

The Fiercest Ninja Warriors Are Back in the Hit Competition Series “Team Ninja Warrior” on AXN!

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All new season premieres August 7, Mondays at 8:50pm

The competition gets tougher in the world’s most intense obstacle course in the epic reality show Team Ninja Warrior, as it returns for a second season this August on AXN.

The upcoming season once again features some of the biggest names from the American Ninja Warrior franchise as they battle it out in the dual running course with even more challenging obstacles, incorporating speed, human agility, skill, and a whole new strategy of racing.

Competitors form the toughest 28 teams yet, each with two males and one female, race side-by-side against each other on the world’s most challenging and physically demanding obstacle course to earn the ultimate ninja bragging rights and to be crowned Team Ninja Warrior champions.

Comedian Matt Iseman and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila return as hosts for Season 2, with sportscaster Alex Curry as the sideline reporter.

Team Ninja Warrior Season 2 premieres August 7, every Monday at 8:50pm. First & Exclusive on AXN.

AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Get Creative: AsiaPOP Comicon Manila Announces First Batch of International Artists

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Artgerm, Quiccs, Alan Quah, Simone Legno and Jason Freeny are amongst the major artists that will be present at the AsiaPOP Comicon Manila.

Talent and creativity abound in the first reveal of international artists who will grace AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 (APCC Manila), which is happening on August 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

From international artists’ Stanley Lau aka artgerm, Quiccs, Alan Quah, Simone Legno, to Jason Freeny, these creative geniuses are set to share their talents and insights to thousands of pop culture fans from all over the region who will converge at the country’s biggest pop culture convention.

By popular demand, globally-acclaimed concept artist, designer, and instructor Stanley Lau, also known as artgerm, is dropping by the Philippines to share his passion and talent for drawing digital and imbuing works with life and color. In addition to his personal pages, which are followed by hundreds of thousands of fans, he has also co-founded Imaginary Friends Studios, which does work for companies such as Capcom, DC, Marvel, and other entertainment and gaming giants.

For his part, toy designer, illustrator, and graffiti artist Quiccs is the founder of Hidden Fortress, which issues collector vinyl and action figures such as the TEQ63 and the Storm King Machine. He is also the co-owner of design firm Burnwater Studios, and a member of international graffiti groups Zinc Nite Crew, Three Flare Krew, and Pilipinas Street Plan.

Comics veteran Alan Quah is the founder of Komikaki Studio and has done works under publishers such as DC Comics, Legendary Comics, IDW Publishing, and Titan Comics. The talented penciller and comic artist's presence is one bound to please many comic fans. 

Mapua University Week 2017: Unity in Diversity

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Mapúa, the premier engineering school in the country, will be having its first ever University Week themed "Unity in Diversity" on July 25 to 29 in celebration of its University title granted by the Commission on Higher Education. This momentous occasion will mark the formal launching of the university title and logo and will have various activities from Mapúa’s student organizations. Activities include a University Fair, Senior High School Acquaintance Party, Student Organization activities, basketball competitions, exhibits, concerts, car shows, and the Mapúan Idol.

The official launching of the Mapúa University logo and the investiture of its first president will be on July 28, Friday. All the students and staff are invited to participate in the said event to witness the unfolding of the new Mapúa logo and to honor the university status. It is indeed a celebration for all the success of Mapúa and a stepping stone towards world-class state of the art research, development and innovation.

Joshua Pacio Willing to Wait for Right Time to Vie for World Title Again

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If he secures an impressive triumph in his upcoming bout, Filipino standout Joshua “The Passion” Pacio might place himself on the verge of another shot at the ONE Strawweight World Championship title.

However, the 21-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet revealed that he is not in a hurry and would rather take the long road to a second championship crack than prematurely vie for the gold-plated strap.

“I am willing to wait for the right time. Timing is everything. Every moment has its own purpose,” he said. “I don't race to be in line for that belt, but I'm racing to perfection in this sport.”

Pacio earned his lone previous title shot when he defeated gritty Thai grappler Kritsada Kongsrichai via first-round submission in August 2016 to set up a date with ONE Championship’s reigning strawweight kingpin Yoshitaka Naito.

Naito derailed Pacio’s title aspirations in October 2016 as the Japanese champion pulled off a come-from-behind win by submitting the Filipino fighter with a rear-naked choke in the third round to keep the coveted ONE Strawweight World Championship belt around his waist.

Winning ONE Championship’s flyweight top prize was within reach of Pacio as the 5-foot-4 Team Lakay young gun effortlessly stuffed all five takedown attempts of Naito in the first round and peppered his Japanese foe with lunging right hands and spinning back kicks.

Although Naito was able to take him down to the mat in the second period, Pacio was able to inflict damage while defending on his back.

But it only took one mistake to crush Pacio’s dream to become the youngest Filipino to win a world title in mixed martial arts (MMA) as Naito latched on a rear-naked choke that ended his undefeated streak.

Pacio saw his heartbreaking setback to Naito as an important lesson because it gave him an opportunity to patch the loopholes in his outstanding skill-set.

“It’s not a defeat. I viewed as an important lesson. It also served as an inspiration to push myself to the limit. It is an eye-opening experience. Here I am standing in front of you as a matured competitor inside the cage,” Pacio stated.

Pacio reaped the fruits of his labor this past March when he scored a huge victory over former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke by way of split decision.

“Every martial artist should have the sense of growth. This sport is constantly evolving, and every fighter should adapt to changes and improve their overall MMA game. It’s either you adapt or you fail. I learned my lesson, and I chose to adapt for the better,” Pacio shared.

Now using the moniker “The Passion” due to his ardent desire to improve each day as a martial artist, Pacio returns to action on 5 August as he squares off with Japanese newcomer Hayato Suzuki on the undercard of ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS in Macao, China.

Suzuki owns a remarkable MMA record of 16-0-2 and is known as a well-rounded warrior who has the ability to stop his foes with his heavy hands and technical grappling skills.

Out of 16 career wins, Suzuki has finished 11 of his opponents, including six by submission and five by knockout.

“It’s going to be an action-packed fight. I can’t be complacent. Moreover, I have to be two steps or three steps ahead of him,” Pacio said about his scheduled three-round strawweight clash against Suzuki.

Suzuki might pose a threat to Pacio’s spot in the rankings, but the latter leans on the learning from the match-up that can benefit his maturity as a prizefighter.

“Every fight is a lesson. We, as fighters, gain valuable knowledge every time we train and step into the cage. I am here to learn and grown. I will always be grateful with what I have. I have no problem if I need to prove once again that I deserve another championship opportunity,” Pacio asserted.

As he goes through another tough encounter inside the ONE Championship cage, Pacio remains optimistic that the ONE Strawweight World Championship title will be in his possession someday.

“I don’t fear that my opponent has the ability to take my spot in the rankings. I am consistently improving. The goal is to win and improve. That’s my mindset right now. As I grind at the gym every single day, I know that the belt will be mine soon. Hard work cannot be denied forever,” he ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

From Jeep to E-Jeep

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi behind the wheels of the first-ever electric-powered “Green Jeepney” developed by QEV Philippines during their product launch held at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City on Thursday, July 20, 2017.

QEV Philippines is the electromobility ecosystems company that will set up the first charging station network in the country for electric vehicles. The charging station will have fast chargers that can charge lithium ion batteries for 15 minutes. This will enable the Green Jeepney to run for 100 to 140 kilometers.

Using electricity as fuel will be 30 percent less costly than using diesel. The charging infrastructure also translates into $100 million savings in foreign exchange by eliminating the importation of about 375 million liters of oil per year.

The Green Jeepney runs on electricity and aims to be a more efficient, clean and modern alternative public transport vehicle. QEV Philippines will be converting jeepneys with internal combustion engines into electric vehicles like what it did to the Green Jeepney. The conversion, to be done in partnership with local manufacturers, can be done in just two hours.

Other officials who graced the Green Jeepney launch were Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar and Environment and Senate Natural Resources Committee Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar.

Liter Of Light Training Workshop

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Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella (left) with Lourdes National High School Science teacher Josefina B. Maramba and Grade VI students Jillian Fuellas, Ace Roald Balbuena and Mary Joy Cuadra assemble solar-powered lamps as part of the Liter of Light orientation and training workshop of the DOE held in Panglao, Bohol on Friday, July 21, 2017.

A total of 34 grades five and six students from Lourdes Elementary School and 12 teachers from various schools in Bohol took part in the Liter of Light orientation and training workshop, a project of the DOE in partnership with the Department of Education, Provincial Government of Bohol and Liter of Light Org.

They will then teach and share what they learned to delegates of the upcoming Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), an annual gathering of Asian nations, hosted by the Philippines and to be held in Panglao Island on August 7-10, 2017. This year’s ACD will focus on energy security, sustainability and resiliency, among other relevant topics.

Catholic Bishops, Civil Liberty Champs and Millennials to Protest Duterte's Fake SONA

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Church leaders, progressive lawmakers, civil society groups and youth leaders will stage on Monday a day-long "Counter SONA" to protest what they said will be President Rodrigo Duterte's "truth-challenged" State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Organized by the Gathering of Civil Liberties (GCL), Akbayan Party, Kilusan para sa Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME), #YouthResist, Millenials Against Dictators (MAD) and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), the event will protest Duterte's bloody war on drugs, the extension of Martial law in Mindanao and what they called the President's "rising authoritarianism."

The event is also supported by Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias and Father Rudy Abao.

Cultural performances, film showings, speeches and creative youth protests will mark the event, highlighted by a series of masses dubbed as "12-6-12" to be held at 12 midnight, 6:00 AM and 12 noon of the 24th of July. 

Midnight mass and candle-lighting vigil

The midnight mass, to be officiated by Iniguez, will conclude with a candle-lighting protest against extrajudicial killings and Martial Law. A people's vigil will follow shortly after. Senator Risa Hontiveros, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, KME leader Jimmy Regalario, Church leaders, and youth leaders are expected to lead the event. 

Morning mass

The 6:00 AM mass will be officiated by Tobias. The Bishop will deliver a message on the need for people to unite and not lose hope amid a growing climate of killings and impunity. 

High noon mass

Meanwhile, the 12 noonn mass will be administered by Abao. Prominent civil liberty defenders, progressive lawmakers and sectoral leaders are expected to attend the activity. 

Millennials' "human #hashtag protest"

At exactly 1:00 PM, youth and student leaders will lead a "human #hashtag protest" and noise barrage. The protest will be led by #YouthResist, the broad youth and student formatiom which also organized the massive protest against EJKs at St. Scholastica's College. They said that their protest will "connect the millennials' online anger to offline protests against the culture of killing and resentment for democracy under the Duterte government."

People's verdict: Fake SONA

Afterwards, an ALT-SONA (Alternative SONA) will commence together with a people's viewing of Duterte's 2nd SONA. The protesters will declare the president's annual report to the nation as "fake SONA."

"We will stand for the defense of truth, fact and the right to life, despite the fact that this government has tried to deceive us with fake news, the stifling of dissent and the normalization of violence. We will stand our ground," said Karla Yu, spokesperson of #YouthResist.

Organizers of the day-long event expect a minimum of 2 thousand people to attend their day-long event, majority of whom, they said, will come from the youth sector.