Nestle Crunch Blizzard is Dairy Queen's New Blizzard of the Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dairy Queen us to try the new Blizzard of the Month, Nestle Crunch Blizzard on August 17, 2016 at DQ Robinsons Galleria. There are three new DQ Blizzard with Nestle Crunch flavors - Almond Crunch, Overload Crunch, and Strawberry Pretzel Crunch.

Joining us were two of the six lovely brand ambassadors of Dairy Queen namely Joanna Eden (Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2016) and Jennifer Hammond (Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016). They were two towering beauties during the photo ops with them. Imagine how it will look like if all six Binibining Pilipinas 2016 beauty queens were all present.  I may be vertically-challenged but we all share the same appreciation with Dairy Queens newest frozen delights.

Many would love the Overload Crunch being made up of everything you would die for like cookie crunch and Nestle Crunch with Dairy Queen's soft serve with swirls of cocoa fudge that melts perfectly in your mouth. However, I loved the Almond Crunch more because its simplicity at its best - just the nestle Crunch and almond mixed on DQ's soft serve vanilla. Meantime, the kids would love the Strawberry Pretzel Crunch because of the sweet strawberry toppings and crushed berry knots taht are also mixed in DQ's soft serve.

Ray-Ban Launches #ItTakesCourage Global Campaign

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Our home was once filled with shades or sunglasses during my childhood days. This was because my father's favorite eye-wear was the Ray-Ban brand. 

His weekend hobby was hunting for birds and reptiles, both big and small, at different parts of the country. The small birds he would collect inside our freezer for later consumption during drinking binges with his friends, while the big ones he brings to a taxidermist so he could have trophies from his trips. 

During these weekend hunting trips, he would always wear his favorite Ray-Ban eyeglasses. He had so many models but since I was still too young to remember or care, I wouldn't know their names. The sunglasses were also too big for me to wear, though I remember wearing them every time I see them on top of shelves or tables.

Needless to say, Ray-Ban was his favorite brand. I am just disappointed that he had to leave us so soon. But he's in a btter place right now and probably still wearing ray-Ban while hunting for angels in heaven. Lol!

I must say that these shades or sunglasses truly brings out the best in everybody. Aside from looking cool and good, it indeed levels up our courage to the maximum. How? Because looking good eventually makes us feel good. Our attire becomes a lot more cooler when we match it with excellent shades.

Top 10 Things to Do in Ukraine

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From its captivating history to serene beaches and tasty food, Ukraine will charm you before you even know it. To make sure you take the most out of your visit, here are top 10 things to do in Ukraine.


1. Celebrate traditional holidays with distinctive Ukrainian traditions

Join the celebration of Ivana Kupala, a popular pagan festival widely celebrated across the country. In the evening, couples scour the woods for medicinal herbs, while unmarried women weave head-wreaths before lowering them into a river - if the wreath floats, it means they'll get married. The emphasis of the festival is on cleansing rituals: during the night, participants immerse themselves completely into the water and couples hold hands and leap over bonfires to ‘cure’ all that ails them. More common holiday – Easter – is celebrated in Ukraine with a beautiful melding of traditional Christian practices, folklore and ancient pagan symbolism. The Orthodox Easter has the same sacral meaning as for the rest of Christian world, while it is celebrated on a different date and with distinguishable rituals and traditions. Easter is the feast of Christ’s resurrection, which combines both pagan and Christian elements in its observance. It has been celebrated over a long period of history and has had many rich folk traditions.


2. Check out the churches

Ukraine’s churches – in Kiev, Chernihiv, Lviv and the Carpathian region – are all real gems that are worth seeing. Many of them make a part of UNESCO World Heritage List, so one is lucky to get a chance to see them all in one country.



3. Visit castles and fortresses

In western Ukraine, the stone fortress town of Kamyanets-Podilsky - a Unesco World Heritage Site - sits on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by a deep gorge that encircles it almost completely, with the clear waters of river Smotrych flowing far below. Moving not far away from this geographic area, you should also check out castles near Lviv that are one of the major tourist attractions in this region. Their beautiful architecture, mystical history and scenic landscape setting attract many visitors. Khortytsia islands, located in the heart of Zaporizhzhia city on Dnipro River, are attracting the most people to the region with its reputation of being the homeland and residency of famous Ukrainian Cossacks. Khortytsia is a beautiful national historical and natural reserve, where many types of rare plants and animals can be found. Also in the South, Akkerman fortress (the biggest in country) is a unique monument to the defensive architecture of the 13th -15th centuries. Despite its age and all the historical events that it has witnessed, the fortress managed to preserve its original structure. Today it is considered to be the best preserved medieval fortification facility in Ukraine. Pick up few places to see or visit them all – it’s up to you!



4. Get lost in Lviv

Lviv, with its attractive mélange of baroque, renaissance and art nouveau architecture and friendly vibe is the complete antithesis of the post-Soviet industrial cities of Eastern Europe and is one of the must-visit places in Ukraine. You can spend days admiring the highlights, which include the central Rynok Square, surrounded by wealthy merchants' homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the Armenian cathedral and the Moorish old Jewish hospital. The best panoramic views of the city are from the High Castle Park on northeast side of Lviv. The symbol of the city is a lion: it is carved into facades, on doorknobs, keystones and gates.



5. Hit the beaches

Usually it’s hard to get lot of pleasure from going to the most popular and easy-to-find beaches. For those who love to spend more time alone and further away from the city noise, there are plenty of yet unknown and extremely beautiful beaches in Ukraine to visit.



6. Visit the hidden mysterious places

For a post-apocalyptic experience, there are some places to visit in Ukraine as well. Head to Chernobyl exclusion zone near Kiev, take Lviv Undergrounds and Dungeons tour to discover Lviv’s mystifying underground world and listen to some spooky legends from city’s history or go down Odessa catacombs - the longest network of catacombs in the world, which is also the only one that has not been fully mapped. Intriguing, isn’t it?



7. Eat with lots of emotions

Lviv is famous not only for its astonishing architecture, romantic mood and unforgettable charm. It is also the center of gastronomic events in the country. The main gastronomic festivals in Lviv, dedicated to wine, cheese, chocolate and coffee, always attract lots of visitors. Moreover, the most interesting concept restaurants in Ukraine are also located here!



8. Shop at the markets

A visit to a good product market will overwhelm you with sights, tastes and smells. Go early in the morning, when the products are the freshest and the housewives and grandmothers come out in force, enticed by the market sellers offering a taste of their wares. Try out the two most famous markets in Ukraine to get the full range of emotions – Bessarbsky in Kiev and Privoz in Odessa, you will find lots of things to do there!



9. Drink wine

Shabo is not just one of the leading Ukrainian Wineries that follows the standards of high grape growing and winemaking culture. It is also the Wine Culture Center, aimed at promoting high culture of noble beverages drinking. Shabo Winery and Wine Culture Center are located in a resort area in the Odessa Region, one of Europe’s oldest regions where winemaking traditions are dated as far back as the ancient times. The center offers highly popular organized tours, hosts tastings and various events aimed at improving the drinking culture, popularizing healthy lifestyle and strengthening family traditions.



10. Get closer to nature

Ukraine has a large territory and is located in many climate zones. This fact makes it an interesting place for ‘green’ tourism that will get you to hit the road immediately! Discover Ukraine’s natural wonders, such as Vilkovo – the ‘Ukrainian Venice’, Bugsky Guard National Park, Askania-Nova reserve, Oleshky Sands Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians that will surprise you with pure beauty and stunning nature!



It is hard to find time to cross out all the points in the list of top 10 things to do in Ukraine, you can read mote at destinations.com.ua. However, this means that you always have motivation to come back any time of the year!

Vampire Diaries Star Claire Holt is the Next AsiaPOP Comicon Celebrity Guest

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Things are going to get vicious with Hollywood actress Claire Holt, the latest celebrity guest to grace the biggest pop culture convention dubbed, AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016, happening on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Holt is best known for her role as original vampire Rebekah Mikaelson in the CW supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries, based on the novels of the same name, as well as current continuing spinoff, The Originals.

A natural charmer with her looks and attitude, Holt rose to popularity as Emma Gilbert in the Nickelodeon series H20: Just Add Water, and later went on to roles such as lead character Lindsey in Sam Raimi's Messengers II: The Scarecrow, Melanie Mayron's Mean Girls 2, indie film Blue Like Jazz, and a recurring role in hit series Pretty Little Liars as Pride advocate Samara Cook.

She is slated to appear next as Kate, a lead role in Johannes Roberts' upcoming underwater psychological thriller In the Deep. She is also working on the second season of critically acclaimed series Aquarius.

Fans of Holt will be in for the time of their lives, as APCC Manila offers Autograph, Photograph and Meet & Greet session tickets for the rare opportunity to meet her in person. These tickets will be available soon for purchase at the SM Tickets website, https://smtickets.com, and at all SM Tickets outlets.

APCC Manila 2016 tickets are now available via SM Tickets with ticket prices PhP550 (one-day pass), PhP850 (two-day pass), and PhP1,050 (three-day pass). All these will give the ticketholder access to various activities, performances, and the main show floor. The event is free for children aged five years and below for all days, but a valid identification is required for verification purposes before entering the show floor.

A special Geek Bundle is also available at PhP3500 for the FIRST 100 customers which includes an event lanyard, tote bag, cape, a 3-day pass, and a 1/12 Iron Man Mark XL "Shotgun" collectible figure from Comicave Studios.

For more information and event updates, please visit asiapopcomicon.com/manila and official Facebook Page facebook.com/apccmanila.

“Magtanggol” Goes to Rockwell

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Magtanggol,” a political whodunit film directed by Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez based on a story by producer and investment banker Juanchito “Jojo” Dispo, will be shown at the Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell from August 24 to 30 as part of its week-long celebration of the National Heroes Day.

The film, the first offering of Felix and Bert Productions, revolves around a fictional political clan rocked by a scandal as one scion – a senator who is a strong advocate for protecting the rights of overseas Filipino workers – was tagged as a principal suspect in a spate of killings of abusive OFW employers.

Tom Rodriguez, who plays Senator Juancho Magtanggol, considers his first venture in the political thriller genre an eye-opener. “I didn’t realize the gravity of violence committed against our kababayans who only want to improve the plight of their respective families. Leaving your family behind to work overseas is already painful.”

Grab Great Deals on Premium Products and More at the Power Mac Center Expo

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Apple Premium Reseller Power Mac Center is celebrating its 22nd anniversary with a first-of-its-kind interactive sales event happening from August 17 to 21 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3. Expect up to 90 percent off on premium items and special rates on Apple products, with major debit and credit cards (straight payment or installment) accepted.

The first few hours of the expo were exclusive to VIPs and Power Mac Center 1 Infinite Card members. The event is free of admission to the public from 6PM onwards on August 17 and during mall hours on August 18-21. Guests are asked to register at the reception booth or pre-register online at https://goo.gl/GjSUHn.

Select partner brands also have their own booths to showcase their products. To complete the experience, Power Mac Center’s Apple Authorized Training Center is holding a pop-up school providing free training and demonstrations on different topics specific to Mac apps. The Apple Authorized Service Provider booth gives free Mac cleaning and consultation.

Individuals may also explore career opportunities at the recruitment booth during the event, whereas local businesses, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions may discuss their proposals and offerings with Power Mac Center at the Corporate Business Group and Education Business Group booth.

“We’re inviting everyone to come to Megatrade Hall 3 because all deals are exclusively available at the event. This is the culmination of Power Mac Center’s month-long celebration. We want to give our guests the complete Apple experience all in one venue as thanksgiving for the past 22 years of unwavering support,” said Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Over the years, Power Mac Center has proven its position as a premium reseller of Apple products and accessories that enhance the Apple lifestyle. It has grown to a nationwide network of 26 retail branches, eight Apple Authorized Service Centers, and two Apple Authorized Training Centers. Power Mac Center has also partnered with countless schools, businesses, and other institutions that sought to implement the Apple ecosystem.

More information about products and services may be obtained from Power Mac Center’s website <www.powermaccenter.com> and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat accounts (@powermaccenter). The official hashtag for the event is #PMC22.

DOTr Takes Over Traffic Management in Metro Manila

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The Department of Transportation will now be working together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in managing traffic along national roads in Metro Manila.

Upon the marching order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the MMDA, HPG, and DOTr attached agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be solidifying traffic enforcement by coming up with just one chain of command.

Metro Manila will be split into at least 10 traffic sectors. Each will have a sectoral head.

“Kapag watak-watak tayo, mahihirapan ang mga tao on the ground. But if we will be given authority under one chain of command, we can now easily issue orders,” HPG Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola said in a press conference earlier today.

Operating as one agency, the HPG and the MMDa will be sharing assets such as manpower and motorcyles. The HPG will also hook up with the MMDA command center for better traffic monitoring.

The agencies are also working on coming up with uniform penalties for traffic violations. Traffic personnel will also undergo joint training.

The inter-agency initiative is a necessary move to ease traffic congestion pending appeal for Emergency Powers.

“We are focusing on enforcement now while waiting for Congress to grant us emergency powers. We have to do what we can do now,” said Transportation spokesperson Cherie Mercado-Santos.

“Sumbungan Board” for Violators of Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros eyes the establishment of a “Sumbungan Board” where the public can report violations of Republic Act 8344, otherwise known as the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law.

Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Health and Demography, filed Senate Bill No. 216 that calls for the establishment of a Health Facilities Oversight Board that will be tasked to probe the claims of patients who were denied treatment and services during emergency situations due to their inability to pay hospital deposit.

The Board will be composed of a Department of Health (DoH) representative, who will act as Chair, and representatives from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), private health institutions and non-government organizations working on public health and advocacy.

“We want to prioritize the needs of our patients especially during emergency situations. The Sumbungan Board will provide a clear channel for redress of grievances by patients and ensuring their rights and welfare. In our quest for equitable healthcare system, we should be more sensitive to the plight of our patients, especially the indigents. Gamutin muna saka na kumita,” Hontiveros said.

The bill likewise proposed for an increase in penalties for demanding, requesting, soliciting deposit or other forms of advance payment as pre-requisite for confinement or medical treatment. It recommends that penalties for violations of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law should be from P20,000-P100,000 to P500,000-P1 million, exclusive of damages that may be rewarded to the patient-complainant.

The proposed legislation is also pushing for the revocation of the operating license of a health facility after three repeated violations. “We will not let our citizens denied emergency medical care just because they are poor. Despite inroads being made towards advancing universal health in the past decade, health care in the Philippines largely remains inaccessible to the poor,” Hontiveros said.

The Senator is set to call for a committee hearing on the said bill on August 23 (Tuesday) to “determine the loopholes in implementation and take into consideration the best and worst practices of the law."

The bill also expands the definition of medical care to include women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage or fetal distress.

Lazada's Exclusive App Deals: Catch Them All Starting August 18!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lazada, the country’s no. 1 shopping destination, invades mobile phones this month with exclusive deals up to 80% off. The deal hunt is sure to heat up with a wide assortment of products on sale. Here are some tips:


Up your Game

There is no cooler way to catch them all than with a new Android phone. The Flash Plus 2 for Php 6,490 is the perfect phone to download the hottest apps. With its widescreen interface, one will surely enjoy the Poké fever even more. Isolate all noise when hunting with the JBL On-Ear Headphones, now on sale for Php 899, and experience outdoor adventure non-stop with an ET-POP Power Bank for only Php 399. 

 
Prepare for battle

Walk that extra mile with new kicks! Get 60% off for a pair of Vans shoes for that extra comfort as you unearth creatures, stardust and candies along the way. Keep immune system healthy with Puritan’s Pride Vitamin C for Php 593 (200 caplets) because another day of adventure awaits. Stylishly protect your eyes from the sun with up to Php 750 off on all Ray-Ban glasses. Stay fresh and fragrant after a long day’s hunting with Victoria’s Secret Body Mist for only Php 349. Don't forget to use your time wisely with a Casio Digital Stainless Watch for Php 995.

Take it easy

If catching creatures is too tough, why not just get a pack of 144 randomly assorted Pokémon figurines for Php 1,199. They are easier to maintain too! Want to snag those hard to find Pokémons? Plan a quick weekend getaway with your fellow trainers with a Decathlon Arpenaz 10l Day Hiking Backpack for only Php 528.

Catch the best deals, discounts and flash sales during Lazada’s Mobile App Sale. From August 18 to 21, get your game on for the best deals, up to 80% off, with cash on delivery and free shipping within Metro Manila. Download the mobile app for free for app-exclusive treats.

SHDA Housing Fair Gathers More Than 30 Home Developers and Suppliers Under One Roof

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The Subdivision & Housing Developers Association Inc. (SHDA), the largest and leading organization of housing developers in the Philippines, will once again gather some of the most reliable home developers and suppliers in a huge one-stop shop for three days. SHDA’s 3rd Housing Expo will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Ayala Center, Makati City from August 25 to 28, 2016.

John Paul Dy, committee chairman, says: "The Housing Fair is a much-anticipated event among prospective homeowners because we bring together under one roof the biggest companies that offer various products and services for their homes. It is a one-stop destination for everything and anything that they may need."

Among the featured exhibitors are: 8990 Housing Devt. Corp., Axeia Devt Corp., Ayala Land, Boysen Phils., Breezewoods, Chinabank, CHMI Land, Inc., Citihomes, Davies, DDC Land, DMCI Homes, Duraville, Filinvest, Hausland, Holcim, Homemark Inc., Honeycomb Builders, Jacinto Color Steel, James Hardie Phils., Lamudi Phils., Lumina Homes, Masaito, Matimco, Inc., PA Properties, PDB Properties, Phinma Properties, Prominence Properties, Property Company of Friends, Pueblo de Oro, Robinsons Banking Corporation, SM Devt Corp., Steeltech, Suntrust Properties, and United Coconut Planters Bank.

Aside from unifying Philippine home developers, SHDA partners with the government and other sectors in pursuit of its Roadmap to 2030 for better housing options for Filipinos from all strata of society.

Visit www.shda.ph for more details.

Businesses Gather For WSI’s Analytics and CRM Database Management Convention

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wordtext Systems, Inc., the oldest and leading IT distributor in the country, showcases its top technologies on Data Analytics and CRM Database Management Solutions to answer businesses information management needs.

Today, the ability of businesses to work with their data is increasingly important. The highly demanding customer-centric environment requires companies to react quickly to the changing need from customers and environmental conditions.

In order to be effective with this paradigm, enterprises need to understand what data is relevant and the best way to leverage it. They must learn how to manage, access, analyze and secure data with the best solutions that offer real-time analysis.

In the convention held last August 12, at the Dusit Thani, Makati City, WSI highlights its best technologies on Data Analytics and CRM Database Management Solutions that empower businesses to work with their data to increase customer’s productivity and profitability.

Risks - or Not - Behind Pokémon Go

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At FortiGuard, we wouldn't let you down without an analysis of Pokémon Go. Is it safe to install? Can you go and hunt for Pokémon, or stay by a pokestop longing for pokeballs? While this article won't assist you in game strategy, I'll give you my first impressions analyzing the game.

Versions
There are two sorts of Pokémon applications:

1. The official versions, issued by Niantic.

We will talk more about these later, but in brief, they are not malicious.

2. The hacked versions. These are also known as "mods", which are issued by other developers, for multiple reasons. It is in this category we are the most likely to encounter malware. For instance, a repackaged version infected with DroidJack RAT has been identified to be in the wild (see analysis below).


15db22fd7d961f4d4bd96052024d353b3ff4bd135835d2644d94d74c925af3c4

However, not all hacked versions are necessarily malicious: we inspected hacks to play on Android 4.0 (the minimum requirement is normally 4.4), or to modify GPS coordinates, neither of which showed any malicious intent.

baf0dc2e19c6ec9ebfc2853785e92e175064c522a82410c2e56e204fad156838 4d482cf9beef8d4f03a6c609025fc6025069c0c83598032e46380d23a75f1979

Besides manual inspection, we also sent those samples to our learning-based Android prediction engine, SherlockDroid / Alligator, which confirmed our analysis ;)


Risk #1 Installing an infected version

As mentioned earlier, a sample with sha256


15db22fd7d961f4d4bd96052024d353b3ff4bd135835d2644d94d74c925af3c4

is infected with Android/SandrC.tr, dubbed DroidJack RAT.

This is a known malware, for which we have had a signature since 2015. Therefore, Fortinet customers were protected from this malicious Pokémon app from the beginning :)

This malware is quite widespread. Internal statistics at Fortinet indicate more than 8,800 detections in a year, and 160 last month alone, but those figures are largely underestimated for various reasons, including the fact that reporting is not enabled by default. So, basically, what you should remember is that this malware is still in the wild and active currently.

More malware to come?

Yes, very certainly. Malware authors are likely to continue to re-package the game with a variety of malware and distribute it. The fact the game wasn't released in all countries at the same date, for example, (thus forcing impatient users to look for alternatives on the web), combined with the fact there are large game hacking (that's nice) and cheating (that's bad ;) communities only increase the potential for downloading an infected version of the game.

Risk #2 Full Google Account Information? (This is fixed)

Adam Reeve noticed that the game requested full access to your Google account. Note: we are not talking about an Android permission here but a permission of an app connected to a Google account.

This was an error and Niantic fixed this. So be sure to remove the permission from your account and upgrade your Pokémon Go application.

Finally, note that it is not extremely clear in the documentation exactly how much "full access" really means, but no malware or exploit of this has been reported so far.

Risk #3 Unwanted network traffic

In a perfect world, we'd expect games to only send packets over the network that are absolutely necessary for the game to run, such as your location, the details of Pokémon around you, etc.

However, this is very far from reality, and for years now most Android applications are bundled with third party kits (analytics, crash reporting, cross platform engines, etc.) which use up the bandwidth which send and receive more or less useful side information containing, in the best cases, the exact model of your smartphone, or in the worst, personal information such as your phone number and other private data.

Pokémon Go is one of these bandwidth hungry applications. I downloaded it two weeks ago, and it is already close to being the most greedy application on my phone...

For mobile users, the consumption of bandwidth is a real issue. On average, 24% of an application's traffic is for third party tracking and advertising services. For some applications, the rate rockets to 98%.

While the percentage of side traffic for Pokémon Go hasn't been measured precisely, given the number of third party functionality it includes, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn’t well above 50% ;)

Here is a list of what version 0.31.0 contains:

· Crittercism - now called Apteligent - is a mobile application "performance management solution"

· Dagger is a "fast dependency injector"

· Android support libraries: those are common to nearly all Android applications

· Apache commons I/O

· Unity 3D: that's the game engine Pokémon Go heavily relies on

· Space Madness Lunar Console: this is a "lightweight Unity native iOS/Android logger"

· Google Ads

· Google GSON

· Jackson XML: this is the JSON library for Java

· JNI bridge

· Upsight: a mobile analytics and marketing platform

· Google billing

· Square Otto: an event bus

· Voxel Busters: with "cross platform native plugins"

· rx for Reactive programming

Along with such "not-so-essential" network traffic to third party servers also comes common leaks. While we expect Niantic Labs and Unity 3D (game engine) to access our geographic location (to locate Pokémon and pokestops), perhaps we shouldn’t expect apps like Crittercism, Google Ads, Jackson XML, or Upsight to retrieve our location?

The disassembled code also shows that Voxel Busters is building the full list of our phone's contacts (see figure below). They access the display name, phone number, phone and email of all contacts. The list is then compiled into a JSON object and sent to a function named UnitySendMessage, which is then exported by a Unity shared library (libunity.so) where it is dispatched to another function, and where I currently lose its track. Are contacts sent to remote servers? This is not confirmed yet, but is of some concern.

So, yes, you need to know that while you play Pokémon Go you send your geographic location, along with other details (e.g network operator name, phone brand, etc.), to several remote servers, and you "pay" for this side traffic through bandwidth consumption. Unfortunately, this is increasingly true for nearly any game found in application stores nowadays...

Risk #4 Spoofed Pokémon map or activity

The Pokémon Go application communicates with Niantic servers via HTTPS (see image below). Even better, in version 0.31.0, Niantic introduced certificate pinning to ensure that applications exchanged information with the real Pokémon servers and not with others

Initiating a TLS handshake with Pokémon Go servers

However, when certificate pinning is not active, an attacker can perform a MITM attack and thus completely modify the game for victims. For example, rastapasta managed to customize pokestops!

Hacked pokestop by rastapasta

A malicious person can easily imagine other customizations, such as displaying an infected link in a pokestop, or directly injecting infected traffic. While such attacks are probably feasible, they are tricky, and the attack would only operate on the network where the Pokémon Go MITM proxy is setup.

Conclusion

· The Pokémon Go application is not malicious.

· It is no longer possible foe the application to fully access your email. It was a risk with an older version, but hasn't ever been demonstrated.

· There are currently versions of Pokémon Go in the wild repackaged with malware, and I expect more to come. Consequently, if you are not retrieving your applications from a safe application store I recommend you check its SHA256 hash against the official one, or scan the application with an anti-virus tool.

· Like most applications nowadays, Pokémon Go (or the third party apps it uses) exposes your privacy and implies unwanted network traffic.

· Niantic has obviously paid attention to securing access to its gaming servers. However, locally, MITM proxy attacks remain possible by skilled attackers.

Keep posted!



Contributed By: Axelle Apvrille Anti-Virus Malware Researcher, FORTINET

https://blog.fortinet.com/2016/08/11/risks-or-not-behind-pokemon-go

Juan Big Idea: Ang Biyahe Ng Henyong Marketista

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Juan Big Idea ride is all ready for you!

Take the right trip to thrilling insights and ideas through these steps and get your tickets now for only:

• P300 - Members
• P350 - Non-Members

Juan Big Idea: Ang Biyahe Ng Henyong Marketista happening this August 28, 2016 at the University of Saint Anthony Forum, Iriga, Camarines Sur!

For inquiries and other concerns, you may contact Carl Chuidian at 0927 453 0350 or email him at pjma.cmtchuidian@gmail.com.

Sakay Na, Marketista!

‪#‎JBI1617
‪#‎OnePJMA

Corporate-Startup Engagement, TechTalks.PH Venture in Digital Healthcare Space

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TechTalks.ph facilitates innovation in the tech space. One such proof is its venture into corporate-startup engagement. In recent months, TechTalks.ph assisted a global pharmaceutical company in its search for innovative digital healthcare solutions.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals International and Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. - the pharmaceutical company behind this groundbreaking venture was more than pleased with the results. The result of the pitching competition speaks for itself. Thus, a bold invitation to the healthcare sector to involve themselves in patient-centric initiatives.

“It’s been happening in Europe and the US where big companies work with nonconventional startups. "This is the first time I’m seeing this in the Philippines,” said Jay Fajardo - one of the judges and Chief Technology Officer of Medifi, ProudCloud CEO and Co-Founder, and LaunchGarage CEO and Founder. Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine added, "the First World can also learn from these new innovative low-cost solutions that are being developed here." “We can solve the same problems in a cheaper and more innovative way,” she said.

The Takeda Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge (DHIC) panel of judges was composed of Gabriel Georgy of Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., Jay Fajardo, Dr. Gia Sison who is the Global Telehealth Inc. Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan of UP; and mClinica CEO and Founder Farouk Meralli. The 10 finalists were chosen from dozens of applicants that submitted their entries last May 10 to June 27, 2016. The entries include mobile and web solutions: from electronic medical records, to early cancer detection and diagnosis, telemedicine, wellness platform, e-prescription, and blood donation platforms.

“The time we’re in is exciting, with the opportunity to make a great leap forward. Digital innovation in healthcare is a relatively new area. We have no legacy systems encumbering us so we can develop digital solutions fairly fast,” said Farouk Meralli.

The Finder was the cream of the crop of the DHIC. It is a cloud-based Electronic Medical Record solution that can catch cancer red flags in a basic patient examination and forward them to doctor specialists. “Our app seeks to address the lack of oncologists or cancer specialists in the Philippines and the limited access especially in the provinces. Usually, medical diagnoses are not seen at all by proper specialists even if they are available,” said Ascendant Technologies President Serge Arroyo. Ascendant took home the US$10,000 cash prize.

The nine other finalists were Blood Hero (PH) - a web and mobile app for blood donation; CarinMED (Malaysia) - an electronic medical records mobile app; docHERs (US) - a digital health platform; Handy Pharmacy Onco (Thailand) -a health consulting app; MedRx (PH) - an oncology ecosystem digital platform; Hybrid Fusion FISH™ (USA), - cancer diagnostics web app; KnowCo (PH) - a cancer information mobile app; TamangAlaga (PH) - a medical records and laboratory result management system; and Renal Tracker - a web-based cancer care platform.

“Filipino patients are becoming open to digital innovation. They are going beyond the typical uses of social media and technology towards maximizing it for healthcare. I hope someday these innovative solutions would become the Pokemon Go of the health industry,” said Dr. Sison.

So what does the future hold for the tech & innovation industry working with global corporate brands? And where does the TechTalks.ph brand of passion and ecosystem building fit in these?

If you are a corporate brand looking to tap into tech startups in impacting the world. Or if you are a tech startup looking for a platform to engage with these corporate brands. TechTalks.ph has the right platform for you.

Visit TechTalks.PH’s biggest conference of the year and start your corporate-startup engagement journey with them. Geeks On A Beach happens on the 25th & 26th of August in Panglao, Bohol. For more information, visitwww.GeeksOnABeach.com or email hello@GeeksOnABeach.com

Minnesota Timberwolves Dancers and L.A. Clippers Mascot Chuck the Condor Bring Fun and Excitement to NBA 3X Philippines Presented by Panasonic

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

If you want to feel how an NBA game atmosphere is like, head on out to NBA 3X Philippines 2016 presented by Panasonic at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from August 19-21, 2016.

This year, watch the Minnesota Timberwolves Dancers—Ariel, Ashley, Courtney, Demi, Dua and McKenna—bring their high energy, fierce routines and spirited numbers on the dance floor.  Beyond being eye-catching entertainers, they will show you that they are also certified athletes.  L.A. Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor will also spread good vibes to the MOA audience by dancing, dunking and spreading the enthusiasm all around.  

The Timberwolves Dancers and L.A. Clippers mascot Chuck will join Michael Carter-Williams of the Milwaukee Bucks and interact with basketball fans of all ages at the sixth consecutive staging of NBA 3X Philippines.  The event will showcase authentic NBA entertainment, and will be highlighted by a 3-on-3 tournament featuring 200 men’s and women’s teams from all over the country.

The competitive 3-on-3 tournament includes divisions for boys (under-13, under-16, under-18, and open category), girls (under-16 and open category) and the invitation only Celebrity Division.  The Celebrity Division in the 3-on-3 tournament will bring together well-known local screen and TV personalities who will bring their games to the court.