IPC Launches Cloud Community of the Philippines for Biz and Tech Enthusiasts

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Pioneer cloud services provider IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), launched the first ever Cloud Community of the Philippines (CloudComPH) during the recently held 2016 Philippine Cloud Summit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

A vendor-agnostic forum, CloudComPH was created by IPC to serve as a venue for the sharing of ideas and best practices, whether technical or operational, among individuals who build, develop, maintain and use cloud computing infrastructure, platforms, and applications in the Philippines. IPC upholds its being a carrier and vendor neutral organization since its inception and underscores this by spearheading the CloudComPH initiative.

“We envision a bustling Philippine economy powered by the Cloud”, said Niño Valmonte, director of product management and marketing at IPC. “Because our country is still an emerging market for enterprise Cloud services, we felt that there is a need for a venue where Filipino businessmen, entrepreneurs, and ICT enthusiasts can learn the true benefits of the Cloud from one another and apply these learnings into their respective initiatives. We want the community to be a catalyst for business transformation and growth, leading to economic progress”, he added.

The community’s mission is to be the trusted source of cloud computing insights, information and best practices in the Philippines, and to influence Cloud adoption among Filipino organizations and institutions through evangelization, enablement, and empowerment.

Let Us Prioritize the Marginalized

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, in a meeting this morning with MERALCO President Oscar S. Reyes, emphasized, "Let us service the people who need our help most, such as those in Smokey Mountain, Payatas and Muntinlupa."

Sec. Cusi said "These are the people President Rodrigo Duterte promised to serve,” as he chose to have a solidarity dinner with the poor community at the Del Pan Sports Complex in Tondo upon being sworn to office.

Moreover, Sec. Cusi also discussed with MERALCO officials its pre-paid electricity service which targets the poorest of the poor to have access to electricity. Sec. Cusi also recommended to MERALCO to check on the “relocation sites because these are potential fire hazards."

"Let us not wait for the Local Government Units to resolve problems. Let us help especially the marginalized. I want the general public to feel that the government is doing something to better their lives by providing adequate electricity with lower rates so they will be able to afford other necessities such as more food on the table."

Fastest Visa Processing Firm in US Now in Cebu

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RAPIDVISA, the fastest visa processing service in the US and in the country today, is set to officially open its Cebu office on the 12th floor of Park Centrale bldg. at the IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City, on July 4.

“Cebuanos, and Filipinos in general, need not spend so much time processing their visas anymore,” says RapidVisa’s Customer Service Manager, Jerome Hermosilla, who is expected to cut the inaugural ribbon on opening day.

“Instead of going through the hassle and complexity with the processing, they can focus on spending more quality time with their loved ones,” Hermosilla adds.

With RapidVisa, Filipinos, as well as immigrants from over 194 other countries, can get their family visas to the US usually within five to six months time.

“We boast of our fast and efficient service,” Hermosilla says. “We are time conscious in doing visa applications for our customers. We offer accompanying services that set us apart from the simple do-it-yourself form filler. ”

AboitizLand joins Kababayans in 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration

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AboitizLand, the real estate development arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently joined the festivities celebrating the 118th Philippine Independence Day in New York, U.S.A.

Organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI), a nonprofit organization, the all-day cultural activity is the largest outside the Philippines, attended by a number of OFWs to honor Filipino talent, culture and tradition.

“Events that showcase the unique character of the Filipino, those that highlight the importance of remaining true to one’s roots, are very much aligned with AboitizLand’s development principles.” shared John Amon, AboitizLand VP for Marketing.

AboitizLand is proudly homegrown – having nurtured Cebu’s residential, industrial, and commercial communities with pioneering concepts and ambitious development undertakings.

AboitizLand, Inc. remains one of the country’s most trusted real estate developers for over twenty years. As the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, one of the Philippines' oldest and biggest business conglomerates, the homegrown developer provides valuable investment opportunities to Filipinos through developing thriving residential, commercial and industrial communities. Indeed, AboitizLand is the perfect choice for the global Filipino.

From left to right: Dr. Prospero A. Lim, President of the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI); Joey R. Zamora, AboitizLand AVP for Marketing; Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino, JCD (PIDCI Parade Grand Marshall 2008); H.E. Jose L. Cuisia Jr., PH Ambassador to the U.S.; Ambassador Mario Lopez de Leon, PH Consul General of NY; Mrs. Eleanor de Leon; H.E. Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, PH Permanent Representative to the U.N.; John Amon, AboitizLand VP for Marketing; and Albert Asistores, AboitizLand AVP for Sales.

Globe Partners with Netflix in the Philippines

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Fans of Netflix original titles and content can now subscribe to the internet television network through Globe Direct Carrier Billing services

Further strengthening its content offering to customers, Globe announced its much-awaited partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading internet television network. Home to some of the best original series and extensive library of TV and movie titles, Globe and its partnership with Netflix will provide Filipinos access to the streaming giant’s top quality entertainment via their mobile or broadband service.

On June 24, Globe announced its partnership with Netflix making it the first Philippine mobile and broadband to offer Netflix on its mobile/broadband platform. Soon, Globe customers will be able to subscribe to Netflix through Globe, and enjoy its content anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connect screen, while conveniently charging the monthly subscription to their Globe mobile or broadband accounts.

“The Filipino’s swift adaption to the digital lifestyle and our shift to smartphones also changed the way we enjoy entertainment. Today, everyone demands primetime shows, anytime. Our partnership with Netflix gives us this extensive library that will allow us to give our customers their much-awaited TV and movie titles whether they are at home or on-the-go”, says Globe Chief Commercial Officer, Albert de Larrazabal.

Sta. Rosa City Named RP’s National Earth Hour Capital

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Half of all people live in cities, which generate 70% of global CO2 emissions. As more Pinoys troop to these increasingly-crowded hubs to find jobs – heavy traffic, polluted air, clogged waterways and rising living costs have become a daily urban reality for millions. Three cities, all finalists for WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge, are showing the country what can be done to make our cities a little greener.

Proclaimed as the Philippine Earth Hour National Capital, Santa Rosa City in Laguna has initiatives ranging from the erection of solar street lights to the construction of a composting facility designed to minimize landfill waste. Santa Rosa City will now be recognized along with 2016 Global Earth Hour Capital Paris this coming October in Quito, Ecuador. Santa Rosa City additionally placed 5th in WWF’s We Love Cities Campaign, a related social media contest which was won by Bogor, a green city in Indonesia.

Placing 4th in the We Love Cities Campaign is San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, which has positioned itself as the emerging Renewable Energy (RE) hub of Asia, hosting two solar parks, a bioethanol, plus a biomass power plant. WWF believes that a swift but careful transition to RE is critical to curb climate change.

Not to be outdone, Makati City in the National Capital Region is developing a center to provide barangay officials with the basic knowledge and design skills to be able to promote urban design projects designed not just to be eco-friendly, but to promote the respective cultural identity of each barangay. Makati placed 19th in the We Love Cites Campaign. 

Filipino Owner of Las Vegas Based WSOF Global Aims to Change Lives of Filipino MMA Fighters

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Las Vegas-based MMA organization, World Series of Fighting Global, popularly known as WSOF Global, has big plans for the Philippines. Interestingly so, its owner, Dunesa Hesser is a Filipino, born in Negros Occidental.

“I am proud to be Filipino, I was born in Escalante City, Negros Occidental to an ordinary family. We weren't privileged at all. I also lost my parents at a very young age. With 8 other siblings, I felt the pressure to rise above our situation. But this only gave me the determination and the drive to succeed and overcome life’s trials. It hasn’t been easy, my life is a telenovela, but I was lucky enough to have had the chance to move to the United States at 16 years old, so it was from there that my luck changed. But I still kept on working hard, working almost non-stop, because I was the breadwinner of the family.”, Hesser says.

Hesser prides herself of being a Filipino. In fact she still speaks her native tongue, and says that she has taught the local language and the Filipino culture as well, to her kids in the United States.

Dunesa says, “You know it is because of where I came from that I understand the difficulty of some of these fighters. Yun pag nagsisimula ka pa lang at kailangan tiisin mo lahat ng pagod, gutom at puyat. Then you are hit with the decision, should I go on or should I quit? Should I accept my fate or fight it? I know that feeling, I’ve been a fighter my whole life. But I had a twist of fate, also a bit of luck that came my way, after all the years of perseverance. Yan and gusto ko ibahagi man lang thru World Series of Fighting Global. That as a fighter, you can change your life, you can change your fate and your destiny.”

Dunesa strives to inspire Filipino fighters and give them an opportunity to fight inside the WSOF Global MMA decagon. “You know, the Philippines is known very well for combat sports. Despite that, very few Philippine MMA fighters have gained global recognition. We hope to change that by promoting them not only on events in the Philippines, but international events as well”, she says.

Five Filipino fighters will be showcasing their wares on at the WSOF GC 3: Philippines vs. the World, which will be held on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The fighters include Jenelyn Olsim, Jessdan Dela Pena, Neil Larano, Jujeath Nagaowa and Mario Sismundo.

During the Fight Night itself on July 30, a lucky member of the audience will win P1,000,000. The winning ticket will be announced during the event itself at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I would like to change not only the fighters’ lives that night, but also change the life of someone from the audience. Someone will win P1,000,000 that night. I think we are the first MMA promoter in the country who will give away P1,000,000 to a lucky MMA fan. So to my kababayans, we hope you can watch and support us on July 30”, says Dunesa.

Indeed, Dunesa seems to be in step in fulfilling her goal of changing the lives of MMA fighters and fans alike.

Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale athttp://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum. Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila”.

Sophos Named a Visionary in Gartner Magic Quadrant Report

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Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security, today announced that Gartner, Inc. has named Sophos a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant Report for Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Suites[1] for the third year in row. With its Sophos Mobile Control product, Sophos is the only endpoint and network security-focused vendor placed in this year’s EMM Magic Quadrant.

As a comprehensive enterprise mobility management solution, Sophos Mobile Control is easy for IT administrators to set up, configure and manage. The product features secure and encrypted containers that separate business and personal data, protecting company information and personal privacy, which is important for both corporate and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios. Sophos Mobile Control includes Sophos Mobile Security to protect against online threats and malware on Android devices. The latest release, Sophos Mobile Control 6.1, extends platform management to include Windows 10 tablets, notebooks and desktops alongside mobile devices in the same management console, enabling a consistent security policy and secure access to company resources like email and intranets.

“Mobile devices continue to challenge businesses as IT leaders need to assess the security of everything that connects to their network in order to prevent costly breaches and satisfy data protection and privacy legislation. Smart devices that are used to access corporate data via email or share files on cloud-based collaboration tools represent another attack surface for hackers and another way to leak data,” said Dan Schiappa, senior vice president and general manager, Enduser Security Group, Sophos. “Sophos Mobile Control has been developed to provide the most comprehensive protection and to deliver all the productivity benefits of BYOD by keeping business data secure and personal information separated and private.”

[1] Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Mobility Management, Rob Smith, John Girard, Terrence Cosgrove, Bryan Taylor, Chris Silva, Manjunath Bhat, June 8, 2016.

Millennials Join #BawatBato Campaign Against Marcos Burial at LNMB

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On July 6, 2016, millennials answered the call and joined the campaign against the burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“Just as the young people during the 70s and 80s answered the call to fight against the Marcos dictatorship, the generation of today must answer the call to fight against the Marcoses' efforts to twist history in their favor. History witnessed how his regime killed not only the country's best and brightest young people, but also the country's best chance to have a bright future. Rewarding his sins with a hero's burial is unacceptable,” said Bea Reyno of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.

Youth leaders laid stones with the names of their fellow youth and student leaders who became heroes and martyrs at the foot of the UP Oblation --- the monument which served witness to the Diliman Commune where stundents from the University of the Philippines barricaded the University Avenue in protest of the oil price hike in the 1970s.

“The young people who gave up their lives to fight against Martial law are the real heroes. Young people like Leo Alto who died at 23, Emmanuel Alvarez who died at 27, Jan Quimpo who died at 23. We must not let them down. We honor them by telling their stories. We honor them by continuing their fight. We honor them by not letting Marcos be buried as a hero,” said Magnolia Del Rosario of UP Alyansa, also a student councilor from UP Diliman.

The youth also called on their fellow millennials to read more about the stories of heroism during the Martial law and be critical with the information that they receive on the internet.

“We are the generation that grew up in a world fueled by information. We while our time by using up our free data. As young leaders, it is our task to sift through the cloud of articles online and distinguish good and truthful content. Our most potent weapon against historical revisionism is our insatiable curiosity, our determined quest for the truth,” concluded Reyno.

The activity was joined by former CHR Chairperson Loretta “Etta” Rosales, along with other ML activists and prominent human rights defenders. Participating groups include Martial Law Chronicles Project, Alyansa UP Diliman, Akbayan Youth, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Bukluran UP System, Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking, and Filipinos against Historical Revisionism, Claimants 1081, Task Force Detainess, PAHRA, SAMASA Alumni, students from FEU, PUP, UP Cebu, UP Diliman, UP Manila, and Bantayog ng mga Bayani. Similar activities were also held yesterday at UP Baguio and Silliman University.

This solemn action follows the #BawatBato activity done last 26th of July at the proposed gravesite of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

MOA Signing on Airport Upkeep

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Today, 07 July 2016, marks the start of cooperation between the current administration and the private sector – a cooperation that is aimed at the common goal of delivering improved services to the riding public. The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Arthur P. Tugade forged a pioneering cooperative agreement with leading Philippine carriers for the upkeep of Manila Airport Terminals.

Apart from the Secretary, in attendance during the signing ceremony were Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto C.O. Lim, MIAA’s General Manager Mr. Ed Monreal, Philippine Airlines’ President and COO Mr. Jaime J. Bautista, Cebu Pacific’s President and CEO Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei, Philippines AirAsia’s COO Capt. Dexter M. Comendador, PAL express’ President Mr. Bonifacio U. Sam, Cebgo’s President and CEO Michael Ivan S. Shau, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions’ AVP for Finance and Administration Leah de Guzman Jover.

Under the agreement, the Philippine carriers committed to undertake at no cost to the government the maintenance and upkeep of public restrooms at the four terminals under the management of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). The Secretary is confident that the complaints of the general riding public regarding the condition of public restrooms at the main gateway of the Philippines will be addressed by improving the facilities to the level of international standards.

The Secretary emphasized that this move is in line with the working principles of the Duterte administration, that is, consultation, cooperation and mutual trust between government and the private sector. The Secretary added that these guidelines bore fruit today with the signing of the agreement. The Secretary hopes that the government and the private sector could explore other areas of cooperation for the betterment of the country.

Pokemon Go Download

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Download Pokemon Go now!

Pokemon Go is starting to roll out now. The AR Pokemon game can be played right now on Android and iOS in some regions.

"Travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon with Pokémon GO for iPhone and Android devices. With Pokémon GO, you’ll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO is built on Niantic’s Real World Gaming Platform and will use real locations to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Pokémon GO will allow players to find and catch more than a hundred different Pokémon as they explore their surroundings.

The Pokémon video game series has used real-world locations such as the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, New York, and Paris as inspiration for the fantasy settings in which its games take place. Now the real world will be the setting!

Get on your feet and step outside to find and catch wild Pokémon. Explore cities and towns around where you live and even around the globe to capture as many Pokémon as you can. As you move around, your smartphone will vibrate to let you know you're near a Pokémon. Once you've encountered a Pokémon, take aim on your smartphone's touch screen and throw a Poké Ball to catch it. Be careful when you try to catch it, or it might run away! Also look for PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items." - Pokemon.com

Aimee Song Inspires Fashionistas as the Newest Style Icon of SM Makati Style Up

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When international style blogger and interior designer Aimee Song drops by the Philippines, one can expect only two things: fun times, and amazing style. One of the first fashion bloggers, she began blogging in 2008. Since then, her blog Song of Style has risen to become a gamechanger, thanks to her knack for creating bold but laid back outfits.

Last July 01, Aimee greeted fellow bloggers and members of the press with much joy and enthusiasm at SM Makati. She was in town to talk about her partnership with SM Makati as its newest style icon for its Style Up campaign which encourages women and Filipinos in general to level up their personal styles. This wasn’t the first time Aimee was in the Philippines, but it is the first time that she became the face of a local brand. “When I first came here today, and as I was getting ready, we looked around the mall and I could just see my face all over the place. It felt super surreal!” she shares.

Born to parents of Korean descent, the LA-based social media darling has an Instagram following of 3.6 million and counting. What makes Aimee stand out from today’s crop of influencers is her accessible but aspirational sense of style. “We’re real people, not supermodels or celebrities,” she once said. She is part of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for 2016, has been featured in publications such as The New YorkTimes, Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue Spain, among many others, has guest-edited Korean Vogue, and has always been seen—always seated in front-row—at the most exclusive fashion events. Aimee began blogging while studying Interior architecture in the Academy of Art University, with the original intent of focusing on interior design. But when her outfit posts received an overwhelmingly positive response, she quickly switched to doing a style blog.

The exclusive event was hosted by Joey Mead, and attended by a handful of top Filipino fashion bloggers including Tricia Gosingtian, Patricia Prieto, Laureen Uy, and Camille Co. Spotted in the crowd as well were SM Youth Ambassador Janna Tee, and model Brent Javier. Bloggers and members of the press had the chance to ask Aimee some questions about blogging, travelling, and even about her upcoming book entitled “Capture Your Style.” Typically thought of to be a style trailblazer, Aimee also shared that she finds inspiration everywhere, including the people she’s just met. “I’ve seen so many stylish men and women here, so I’m the one taking tips,” says Aimee. “My makeup artist Omar, the whole time we’ve been here, has been wearing – instead of a leather band – different scarves with his watch. I’m definitely stealing that idea!”

Aside from answering questions, she also gave her two cent on some of the latest fashion trends, approving almost every trend including wearing denim-on-denim, owning off-shoulder pieces, having a messy bun, and mixing metals, telling the audience to have fun and experiment with fashion. Aimee did not only give tips but also inspired her fellow bloggers and blogger hopefuls of what really matters when starting your own style blog. “You have to try and be yourself, find your own voice instead of trying to be somebody else,” she says, which she together with SM Makati Style Up has already done.

Nissan GT Academy 2016 Rolls Out in the Philippines

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We recently attended the official launch of the 2016 Nissan GT Academy held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Atrium on June 30, 2016.

Noticeable at the launch venue were several race pods containing the latest Gran Turismo game version called GT Sport, which has not been officially launched yet to the public. Nissan, in partnership with Polyphony Digital, introduce the upgraded racing video game to the Philippines, and other participating countries, ahead of its official release to the rest of the world who would all get to see it only in November.

We were fortunate to be among the very first ones to try out the driving simulation game setup on a cool custom-designed racing machine that would have been awesome it would actually roll out into the street like the real deal.

Special personality at the event was Lucas Ordonez, the inaugural winner of the 2008 Nissan Playstation GT Academy in Europe. Ordonez remains to be an inspiration for all aspiring gamers who also want to get their big break into real-life racing.

Criminal Minds Spinoff Takes Viewers to New Horizons in Crime-Investigation on AXN

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Action packed and full of suspense, AXN’s Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior takes viewers to the scene of the crime and how a group of investigators solve each one of them.

This series of crime-busting and investigations is set to capture the audience as Forest Whitaker plays team leader Samuel Cooper alongside Janeane Garofalo as supervisory special agent Beth Griffith. They take on cases of abductions, murders, and kidnappings with the help of other agents in their unit.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior is a spinoff of the series Criminal Minds and was developed by CBS Corporation and The Disney Company.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior premieres July 20 and can be seen every Wednesday at 9:45pm on AXN.

AXN is available on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

Sisigaw ka sa Sulit Sarap Sisig Silog Meals at Rufo's Famous Tapa

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There's more than just tapa at Rufo's Famous Tapa restaurant!

You can now find additional Sisig meals other than pork  or chicken with the addition of bangus and beef varieties. Each meal is now available in a combo package that they call their "Sisigaw ka sa Sulit Sarap Sisig Silog" comes with garlic rice, fried egg and prawn flakes, for only P89 each. You may also add P10 only to get an additional iced tea for your drink.

My blogger friends and I were invited to try out the four Sisig Silog varieties at their Paseo Center, Paseo De Roxas branch, and were even served their iconic famous tapa with the sauce, and other viands like the Chopsuey and Tokwa't Baboy, , plus their three desserts namely Leche Plan, Creamy Fruit Fiesta and the Black Sambo.

No less than the owner himself, Paul izon Reyes, met with us to share the inspirational story of Rufo's which now has more than 20 branches nationwide plus a lot more scheduled to open soon. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accepts franchising for interested entrepreneurs who are interested to join the food industry.

Rocco Nacino, one of the popular actors in the Philippines, has ventured into the business by owning a branch located in Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The branch is said to be the biggest in floor space among all Rufo's Famous Tapa restaurants.