Rising Internet Use In Emerging Markets: A Business Opportunity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The internet is increasingly integrated in everyday life in emerging countries, yet the rate of web connectivity in these regions still lags significantly behind more developed markets.

On a global scale, the number of Internet users worldwide hit an estimated 3.2 billion in 2015 - that’s about 43 percent of the world’s population who now have access to the web. Of these, two billion web users are based in the emerging markets, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

This means that for every Internet user in the developed world, there are two in developing countries. Yet significant disparities in access remain. Figures from the ITU show that 34 percent of households in developing countries have Internet access. In developed countries, 80 percent of households have an Internet connection.

However, while Internet usage in the developed world significantly outstrips that in the emerging markets, the fast-growing internet penetration rate outside of the west presents an opportunity for online businesses operating in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, while shopping for clothes or searching for property online have been common practice in developed markets for some time, these tasks are now catching on in emerging countries. 

Dennis Quaid and Kate Bosworth Set to Sizzle on The Art of More at Sony Channel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A gripping new drama series stars is set to premiere this May 24 on Sony Channel. "The Art of More" is an original Sony production, which exposes the secretive, exclusive and corrupt world of auction houses.

The critically acclaimed original series is a winning combination of thrilling storylines and outstanding casting. Delving into the business of art collectors who employ modern day treasure hunters to pursue priceless artefacts at any cost, it is hard to tell collector from criminal. This outwardly glamourous occupation is layered in deceit, fraud and racketeers.

Graham Connor (Christian Cooke) is a new executive at Parke-Mason working for Arthur Davenport (Cary Elwes), a shrewd and eccentric world-class collector of art and illegal antiquities. Utilizing Connor's connections with a smuggling ring he encountered during his tour in Iraq, they procure priceless artifacts for his clients who don't care how their objects of desire are acquired.

Dennis Quaid, also an executive producer, stars as charismatic real estate shark Samuel Brukner, who has a penchant for ill-gotten art, and Kate Bosworth as Roxanna Whitman, daughter of the CEO of one of the two warring auction houses.

Whether buyer, seller or something in between, everyone in "The Art of More" is chasing something they covet and struggling with the extent they will go when unchecked by morality.

Sony's first one-hour scripted drama series from its U.S based streaming service Crackle.com, will air from May 24, Tuesday at 8.50pm, first and exclusively on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

James Reid and Nadine Lustre Tandem Fails to Impress at This Time Movie

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There is a growing disappointment of Pinoy movies. Until today, we have not even reached a point that is even close to a good story-telling. You want to know why? It's all about having good-looking stars who couldn't even act appropriately. Puro porma at pa-cute lang pero walang talent. Ang problema kasi ay yung may mga totoong talent ay nakaka-ta-kyut.

The best example is the latest movie entitled This Time featuring the JaDine love team, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, in lead roles.

"On the first few scenes of THIS TIME, in the utmost attempt to be funny, its characters poke fun at the corpse of the dead and at the sanctity of praying. It then becomes a running joke that borders offense." says a movie critic.

The movie critic continues to praise only the supporting actors in their effort to be funny, but still implying the fact that their presence were only significant because of their iconic image from yesteryears when they were still popular.

He goes on to say "As for James Reid and Nadine Lustre, it's so hard to understand where those feelings are coming from. While the kilig factor might always be there for the sake of its growing fandom, and so it can take a good stand on its genre, way past the smiles and giggles is a blurred image, a muddled reflection that defeats the beauty of good storytelling. At the end of it all, you get nothing."