Mocha Uson is New Brand Ambassador of Crossfire Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Crossfire just recently announced the appointment of Mocha Uson as Brand Ambassador of Crossfire Philippines, a popular online massive multiplayer First-Person Shooter (FPS), and they will be creating an in-game character resembling or molded after the image of Mocha.

They revealed that there will be two kinds of outfits that the in-game character of Mocha will be wearing. I was hoping it would be the skimpy and revealing kinds but Rene Parada, Product Manager of Crossfire Philippines, said they chose Mocha because she embodies the personality of what they envision as a Filipina that can pass the standards of a James Bond girl.

Now that makes their preferred woman beautiful yet tough, sexy yet classy, sultry yet smart - I could go on and on but my mind is having a party right now just thinking about what the in-game character of Mocha would look like.

Mocha could indeed be the appropriate model for a Crossfire character who could easily handle a gin and shoot at enemies. Mocha has been known as tough online personality as well since she openly supported President Rodrigo Duterte, but then she revealed that she has more friends now than before she was an avid supporter of the former Mayor from Davao and now President of the Philippines.

Just like Duterte, Mocha was able to let out her sentiments during the press conference intended for the launch of Gameclub Philippines' Crossfire event namely the CFS Invitational Manila and the Philippine National Finals scheduled on October 4 to 16, 2016, and secondary is the announcement of her as Brand Ambassadoer of Crossfire Philippines. Mocha has made a statement intended for her bashers so please do watch it on the videos below, and more at our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

SM Southmall Holds NBA 2K17 Philippines Preliminary

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The NBA 2K17 PS4 Asia Tournament – Philippines Qualifier kicked off its first two qualifier legs on October 15 and 16 at the SM Southmall, premiere mall of the South metro, located in Las Pinas city.

Present at the preliminary is Aminolah "Rial" Polog Jr. who was also hoping to compete again this year for NBA 2K17. We had an interview with him during the event at SM Southall where he eagerly shared his triumphant experience from last year. He also shared a few gaming tips and strategies that he uses including which NBA team to choose, which NBA 2K17 in-game character is the best, and to advise gamers to constantly practice, practice, and practice. He emphasized that a gamer should always play with an opponent to enhance their skill. 

Rial won first place and USD 2,500, while Wilmer “Ming” Magno, another Pinoy player, was awarded the second place and USD 1,200 at the Playstation 4 NBA 2K16 Asia Tournament in February last year, grabbing the top 2 winning spots.

Rial and Ming finished in the top two spots after making it to the top 6 finalists at the Taipei Game Show. The two competed against each other and the other 4 finalists from Taiwan and Hongkong in a round robin format.

The final match between the two Filipinos had Rial winning with the Oklahoma Thunder, 51-40 over Ming’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

Getting Ready for Typhoon Karen

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Upon the instruction of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached and partner agencies are closely monitoring the status and readiness of areas to be affected by Typhoon Karen, DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said today.

Secretary Cusi's marching orders to the DOE energy family is to minimize the impact of the storm on energy facilities. Typhoon Karen is expected to make land fall over the Quezon-Aurora area early Sunday morning, according to the weather bureau PAGASA.

Secretary Cusi directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure the easy mobilization of assets for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

Among the measures are close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NRRMC), the release of regular advisories and assigning on a 24/7 basis technical people for monitoring, preparedness and rehabilitation efforts.

NGCP has reported that the Sorsogon-Irosin 69kV line servicing Sorsogon I and II Electric Cooperatives (SORECO I and SORECO II) had an outage at 12:49 p.m. today and restoration is underway.

The affected towns were Gubat, Irosin, Bulan, Sta. Magdalena and Matnog.

Meanwhile, the Gumaca-Lopez-Tagkawayan and the Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative (CANORECO) 69kV lines, which tripped earlier, were promptly put back online.

The sole transmission concessionaire has committed to inspect and restore the lines in the affected areas as soon as the weather would allow.

On the distribution side, NEA has provided advisories to all affected electric cooperatives to initiate pre-and post-Typhoon disaster risk reduction measures.

"The cooperatives must implement contingency measures such as the inspection and conduct of preventive maintenance and rehabilitation in the entire distribution system, in coordination with concerned government agencies and local government units," Sec Cusi recommended.

Secretary Cusi is urging the public to immediately report to the nearest authority any incidents affecting the power supply facilities.

The public is also advised to exercise emergency and safety measures as follows:

1. Charge flashlights and mobile phones
2. Be informed on the latest news updates
3. Switch-off circuit breaker and other electrical systems to avoid electrocution, among other electrical mishap.
4. After the typhoon, check first before using the electrical systems to avoid short circuits.

"Generation, transmission, and distribution facilities must be all operational to normalize power situation in the affected areas," Secretary Cusi concluded.

NBA 2K17 Is Now Available

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2K today announced that NBA 2K17, the next iteration of the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation series*, is now available for purchase at retail and online vendors worldwide. Continuing the success of one of the most dominant entertainment franchises over the last decade, NBA 2K17 introduces an all-new MyCAREER storyline featuring award winning actor Michael B. Jordan, in addition to the most realistic on-court NBA simulation to date. Additionally, fans that participated in “The Prelude”, a free downloadable experience available prior to launch, can continue their MyCAREER experience onward today as they progress through the NBA Draft presented by State Farm and to their NBA team.

“We’re thrilled to deliver an even more ambitious and authentic basketball experience in NBA 2K17,” said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts. “Both new fans and NBA 2K veterans will have the most comprehensive experience in our franchise’s history, starting with an unparalleled MyCAREER showcase placing gamers throughout a unique, compelling storyline.”

NBA 2K17 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC delivers dynamic new features including: 

• Best-in-Class Gameplay: NBA 2K17 puts shot creation and making in your hands like never before. Advanced Skill Shooting gives you complete control over the power and aim of your perimeter shots as well as your ability to finish inside the paint;
• USA Basketball: Take the court as the USA Basketball Men’s National Team with Coach K on the sidelines, or relive the glory of the ’92 Dream Team. Earn USA Basketball MyTEAM cards and gear up your MyPLAYER with official USA Basketball wearables;
• MyCAREER: It’s all-new and all about basketball in 2K17 – and you’re in control. Your on-court performance and career decisions lead to different outcomes as you determine your path through an immersive new narrative, featuring Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, new player controls give you unparalleled supremacy on the court;
• Unrivaled Presentation: The most realistic and dynamic in-game commentary to date featuring the most broadcasting talent ever assembled in a sports game, including new additions Chris Webber, Steve Smith, David Aldridge & Brent Barry. For the first time in a sports videogame, broadcast teams will change from game to game to ensure a unique experience each time you play; 
• 2K BEATS: Imagine Dragons, Grimes, Noah “40” Shabib of OVO Sound and Michael B. Jordan curate another electric 2K soundtrack, featuring 50 songs;
• MyNBA2K17 Mobile Companion Application: Available for free in the App Store for iOS and on Google Play for Android, MyNBA2K17 directly connects players to the console version of NBA 2K17, including the debut of all-new face simulation technology, enabling fans to bring their visual appearance in-game. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the launch of NBA 2K17 as the franchise continues to set the standard for sports simulation authenticity,” said Alfie Brody, VP of Marketing for NBA 2K. “We consistently challenge ourselves to bring our fans new, compelling ways to connect with our brand and, more importantly, each other through an unparalleled digital experience that will be found in this year’s title.”

The NBA 2K17 Standard Edition is now available in both digital and physical formats for US$59.99 on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, and Windows PC platforms. The NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition is also available in digital and physical formats for US$79.99 on Xbox One and PlayStation®4 system. Also available is the NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition Gold offering fans the ultimate value at US$99.99 with all of the regular NBA 2K17 Legend Edition contents plus bonus items. All fans who pre-ordered any version of NBA 2K17 received their copy at Early Tip-Off four days early, September 16.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K17 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Follow @NBA2K on social media and look for the hashtag #ThisIsNotAGame for the latest NBA 2K17 news.

*According to 2008 - 2016 Metacritic.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through August 2016.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

FOR ACCESS TO NBA 2K17 VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/user/2KGamesAsia/videos

Hontiveros Visits Zika Epicenter, Pushes Barangay-Led Prevention Measures

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In Barangay Benedicto, Iloilo City where four cases of Zika virus have been reported, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros’ visit on Saturday served as a positive challenge to push for barangay-led prevention measures.

“Sa barangay nangyari, sa barangay ang solusyon”, urged Hontiveros. In a meeting with local leaders and residents, the neophyte Senator explained that the frontline of health systems is at the barangay level and should be harnessed in matters of public health.

Yesterday, the Department of Health also reported Zika cases in Makati and Mandaluyong. These bring the number of Zika cases in the Philippines to 17. The senator urged the public to stay calm and asked the government to heighten its response.

“The best response to the Zika virus is education and prevention. We must strengthen our information, detection and monitoring drive to prevent the further spread of the disease, and to provide immediate care to those infected with the virus,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also distributed in Iloilo City ‘anti-Zika packets’ that contained commodities against mosquito-borne infections like Zika. The packets included mosquito nets, education materials and others.

The Akbayan Senator said the activity is part of the health promotion and disease prevention strategies that she wants all barangay health units to implement to reduce the public’s risk of contracting the virus.

“Coming here is a gesture: the message is that fear should not cloud our action towards preventing the spread of Zika”, Hontiveros said

History Ends Year as #1 Factual Channel in the Philippines

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History closed its 2016 financial year as the #1 most watched factual cable channel in the Philippines in prime among People +16. HISTORY’s solid performance was powered by an exceptionally strong stable of content, along with the network’s first HISTORY CON event, which was held at the World Trade Center in Manila. The network posted its best numbers ever and delivered stellar ratings in primetime, nabbing the top spot from its competitors.

The diverse and compelling lineup of original programming that drove ratings for HISTORY includes this year’s standout hit, ROOTS, a four-part historical portrait of American slavery featuring Academy Award® winners Forest Whitaker and Anna Paquin. The epic mini series delivered the highest two-hour rating average ever for HISTORY in the Philippines. Its finale also won its night as the number one show on English entertainment cable channels for its timeslot.[1]

HISTORY scored with a slew of #1 rated programs including the ever popular STORAGE WARS[2] franchise, as well as the second season of survival reality series ALONE[3] and Giorgio Tsoukalos’ new show, IN SEARCH OF ALIENS[4]. A+E Networks™ Asia’s original productions, notably CELEBRITY CAR WARS and RIDE N’ SEEK WITH JAMIE DEMPSEY, included some local flavour with familiar Filipino faces and places, which also helped fuel audience growth.

HISTORY further strengthened its position in the Philippines by deepening its engagement with its viewers and bringing new fans into the fold with its inaugural HISTORY CON event. The convention brought the brand to life off-screen, offering attendees a chance to meet HISTORY celebrities, take part in interactive activities, and get a sneak preview of HISTORY shows. HISTORY CON was a massive success with 50,000 visitors, over 100 exhibitors, three new World Records and reaching over 35 million people online over four days in August.

“Thank you to all our loyal viewers in the Philippines for being so enthusiastic and passionate about HISTORY and our shows. It was an incredible year for us but we’re not about to rest on our laurels. Our Filipino fans can expect even more from HISTORY in 2017 with an exciting roster of powerful drama, supercharged characters and returning fan favourites on our channel, and bigger and better events,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, A+E Networks™ Asia.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.


[1]Source: Kantar Media, Urban Philippine, Roots Episode 4 premiered on 3 June 2016, 9-11 pm; People +16 averaged 81,427 P16+/Rtg% 1.13 in PTV homes. Excludes Sports, Movies, and Kids.

[2]Storage Wars franchise #1 on Weekdays 8-9 pm against all Factual and English Entertainment Channels during premiere timeslots on Thursdays. Source: Kantar Media, Urban Philippines, all Storage War titles Mon-Fri 8-9 pm between 1 Jun-31 Jul 2016, People +16 averaged 22,127/Rtg% 0.31 in PTV homes. Excludes Sports, Movies and Kids.

[3]ALONE S2 ranked #1 against all Factual and English Entertainment Channels during premiere timeslots on Thursdays. Source: Kantar Media, Urban Philippines, ALONE S2 aired on 21 April-28 July except 2 June, Thursdays 9-10 pm, People +16 averaged 25,680/Rtg% 0.36 in PTV homes. Excludes Sports, Movies and Kids.

[4]IN SEARCH OF ALIENS ranked #1 against all Factual and English Entertainment Channels on Wednesday nights. Source: Kantar Media, Urban Philippines, IN SEARCH OF ALIENS aired on 1 June-27 July, Wednesdays 11 pm-12 mn, People +16 averaged 17,633/Rtg% 0.24 in PTV homes. Excludes Sports, Movies and Kids.

Erap, Imelda, Atty. Gozon supports “World Pandesal Day” on Oct. 16 Sunday

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Ex-President & Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Ilocos Norte Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Marcos, GMA Network, Inc. CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, and others expressed support for the holding of the “World Pandesal Day” with gift-giving plus free medical/dental/optical mission on October 16, 2016 Sunday at the 77-year-old, artisanal Kamuning Bakery Café at No. 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines. October 16 is globally marked every year as “World Bread Day”, but celebrated since 2015 as “World Pandesal Day” by Kamuning Bakery Cafe.

The public is welcome on October 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, avail of free medical, dental and optical mission to be conducted by 50 volunteer doctors and dentists from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association and the Chinese General Hospital for the less privileged and urban poor at the “World Pandesal Day”. The VIP guests ceremonial gift-giving of 30,000 pugon-baked pandesal breads and gift packs will start at 9: 30 a.m.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said: “My warmest greetings to the artisans, staff and operators of the celebrated Kamuning Bakery Café as they observe World Bread Day through their own adaptation known as the World Pandesal Day.”

Estrada continued: “This occasion is a fitting tribute to our humble and favorite Filipino breakfast staple which is a nourishing fixture in our dining tables as families start their day or as friends congregate in between breaks.”

“I commend the Kamuning Bakery Café and Wilson Lee Flores for expanding the relevance of the event by tackling the issue of widespread hunger. It is an issue that we are familiar with and currently addressing in the City of Manila through daily provision of free and nutritious breakfast set of vitamin-fortified bread and milk to thousands of malnourished elementary schoolchildren. In its initial implementation, we have seen how previously severely wasted students became healthy and active kids.”

Estrada added: “Further, I laud the historic cafe for honoring our local heritage by preserving traditional cooking methods, supporting local produce, and providing a venue for intelligent discussion of social issues. In this age of modernity and constant progression, it is encouraging to know that businesses can successfully thrive by remaining true to their roots.”

Ilocos Norte Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Marcos said: “My warmest greetings to the Kamuning Bakery Café, for taking this initiative of honoring our well-loved pan de sal by celebrating the World Pandesal Day, concurrent with the global celebration of the World Bread Day.”

Congresswoman Marcos continued: “The humble bread of the Filipinos now takes the center stage as we honor its value, and the symbol it represents in every family. The pan de sal surely gives everyone a special memory of breakfasts and snack times shared with our loved ones. Like the pandesal that transcends every strata of our society, may we all be inspired to break social barriers and be advocates for poverty-alleviation. Congratulations and more power to you!”

GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Felipe Gozon said: “Congratulations on Kamuning Bakery Café’s celebration of the ‘World Pandesal Day’ which coincides with the global celebration of the ‘World Bread Day’. It is only fitting that a recognized institution in traditional Filipino-inspired bread making would honor such an iconic recipe which has been part of our culture for many years. The pandesal is the only bread that transcends social classes in our country. The Filipino household will never be the same without the pandesal. I am also one with you in helping our underprivileged countrymen through your own simple way. Your modest act of generosity can create a rippling effect.”

————————————————————————————————————-

Why “World Pandesal Day”? —The pandesal is the historic and unique national bread of the Philippines, it is bread eaten by the masses, middle-class and by all. The pandesal is a basic necessity of the people, like rice. The humble pandesal bread represents the people’s simple wish for liberation from hunger. Hot freshly pugon-baked pandesal also represents happiness. In celebrating “World Pandesal Day”, Kamuning Bakery Café hopes to give honor to this humble yet great Filipino bread, and to remind all about the goal of eradicating poverty, inequalities and the age-old problem of hunger.

Backgrounder—“World Pandesal Day” was started on October 16, 2015 by Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner & writer Wilson Lee Flores at this historic bakery cafe at 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Kamuning, Quezon City, the Philippines which coincided with the annual “World Bread Day”. Wheat foods do make up 20 percent of the world’s calories, according to the United Nationsa

Hashtags: #worldpandesalday #ChristmasInOctober #kamuningbakerycafe

Actor and then National Youth Commission official Dingdong Dantes graced the Oct. 16, 2015 launching of the “World Pandesal Day” at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

How does Obesity Affect Your Organs?

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Obesity does not just mean you’re fat, overweight or you can’t fit to any proper clothing. It’s more than that and it means your health is at risk. Being overweight or obese is more than just fat layers in your body. When someone is obese, the body functions are very low which takes a toll on different major organs of the body. Here are the list of organs and how they are affected by excess weight.

1. Heart – When a person is obese or overweight, the arteries are basically blocked because of the plaque build-up making it hard for the blood to flow. This means the heart needs to work harder and pump harder.

2. Colon – Most people who are overweight or obese eat a lot of processed food. Processed meat, sweets and unhealthy things can cause harm to the colon which is responsible for eliminating the toxins.

3. Brain – When a person is obese or overweight, the brain suffers when sending signals. A study found that the cognitive highways of the brain of obese people are diminished, which compromises the sending of signals to the different parts of the brain.

4. Skin- Hormone changes can cause acanthosis nigricans, a thickening and darkening of the skin; swelling and stretching of the skin can cause redness and irritation, known as stasis dermatitis; and poor vein function can lead to ulcers, found most often in ankles as a result of lacking blood flow.

5. Lungs - Poor lung function means blood vessels may not be getting enough oxygen. Similarly, obese people face a far greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea than non-obese people, further limiting the oxygen their bodies take in. Problematic enough during the daytime, a failure to breathe at night could turn fatal in a hurry.

Hontiveros Lauds DOH AO on Mental Health

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today has lauded the Department of Health (DOH) for signing an Administrative Order that spelled out a comprehensive framework on how mental health programs will be implemented throughout the country.

The AO provides a policy framework of how the mental health program will be implemented at all levels of the health system, like health rural units, the barangay health stations, and even in the communities.

The DOH AO is complemented by Hontiveros’ Senate Bill No. 1190 otherwise known as the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2016.

Hontiveros, who is Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said the AO, which was recently signed by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, is a great boost to the campaign to pass a law to ensure the mental health rights of all Filipinos.

"It is a step in the right direction. It creates added momentum in our desire to pass a comprehensive mental health law to capably respond to the mental health needs of the people," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros' bill seeks to identify and solidify the rights of persons with mental health needs such as the right to receive mental health services at all levels of the health care system. The bill is also pushing for the establishment of psychiatric and neurologic service in regional, provincial, and all tertiary level hospitals, recognition of other forms of treatment/non-medical alternatives and integration of mental health in the education curriculum,” she said.

Philippine data reveals that about 1 in 5 adult Filipinos suffer from mental or psychiatric disorder, with the youth sector said to be one of the most vulnerable sectors when it comes to mental health. Equally alarming, the number of suicide cases in the country has steadily risen over a period of 20 years from 1992 to 2012

Kickstart Ventures Invites Local Startups to Singtel Innov8 Connect Global Business Challenge

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Kickstart Ventures enjoins local startups to participate in the second installment of Singtel Innov8’s global call to create innovative solutions for real world business challenges. This follows the success and momentum of the initial Innov8 Connect programme launched in January 2016 which attracted over 120 submissions from startups across 22 countries.

“Through the second round of Innov8 Connect, Philippine startups are given another opportunity to realize their global growth aspirations. Kickstart, through Innov8 Connect, is opening doors for them to penetrate the global market as part of our mission to break down barriers and build bridges between the business community and the startup founders,” said Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart, a wholly-owned venture capital firm of Globe Telecom.

Kickstart is a founding member of Innov8 Sparks, the Singtel Group’s network of startup support and funding initiatives across Southeast Asia. It currently has 27 portfolio companies with various products and services encompassing SaaS (Software as a Service) for financial services; Healthcare; E-commerce and Online Marketplace, Social Impact; and Digital Lifestyle, several of which have already ventured to other countries.

Once selected in the second round of Innov8 Connect, the startups that offered the best solutions will be provided with up to S$75,000 to test and validate their business solutions as proof-of-concepts inside Singtel and Optus in Australia.

Successful solutions from promising startups may then lead to further commercialization opportunities within the Singtel Group which offers startups access to an extensive customer base that includes both enterprises and over 600 million mobile subscribers across Asia, Australia and Africa. These startups will also have the opportunity to seek funding from Singtel Innov8 and tap on its network of co-investors from Innov8 Sparks and partners across the globe.

Talking about the importance of the program, Tay Soo Meng, Group Chief Technology Officer at Singtel said: “Innov8 Connect started as a win-win platform to help startups develop viable business solutions while allowing the Singtel Group to stay at the cutting-edge of innovation through continuous experimentation. We hope to uncover more innovative answers for real emerging business challenges with start-ups in this latest installment of the programme.”

In the second round, 14 new business challenges have been identified by Singtel and its Australian arm, Optus, in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality solutions and artificial intelligence.

“We look forward to working together with more start-ups on the new set of business challenges from this second installment of Innov8 Connect. Through these real challenges that businesses face, we hope to spur greater innovation while identifying and supporting viable solutions that meet the Group’s needs,” said Edgar Hardless, CEO of Singtel Innov8.

Interested start-ups may submit their proposals through the Innov8 Connect portal www.innov8connect.com until October 31, 2016. The portal also contains detailed information on the 14 new business challenges. Selected start-ups will then be invited to pitch to a panel of management representatives from the Singtel Group.

As the venture arm of the Singtel Group, Singtel Innov8’s mandate is to scout for and provide the Group with insights and early access to emerging technologies, as well as to nurture the innovation ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Innov8 Connect is part of Singtel Innov8’s initiatives to create greater awareness for Singtel’s innovation agenda and engagement with startup ecosystems.