The Ultimate Tech Christmas Shopping Guide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Our country has the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season. Once the ‘ber’ months kick in, something magical unfolds right in front of our very eyes. Public places become riddled with Christmas lights, speakers in malls blare out Christmas tunes and the air around us becomes cooler.

There’s also one thing people look forward to once the holidays begin and these are the flurry of sales with special discounts that barrage us left and right.

As a way to assist you in purchasing gifts for your loved ones this coming holiday season, Lenovo has rounded up great tech gifts for everyone on your list.


For the visionary - Lenovo PHAB2 Pro

When Augmented-reality (AR) technology broke into the mainstream this year thanks to Pokémon GO, people became ecstatic. Suddenly everyone can interact with fictional beings in real time and in the real world but AR is more than that. With it, visionaries who always have an eye for the future can imagine in a whole new level; by simply clicking a button they can create immersive environments that are highly interactive and can be easily manipulated.

Knowing the limitless potential AR technology has, Lenovo released the Lenovo PHAB2 Pro—the world’s first smartphone compatible with AR, all thanks to Google’s Tango platform. The phone is capable of creating a 3D space around its user by using a combination of cameras such as a regular camera, an integrated depth sensing camera and a motion tracking camera.

Power won’t be an issue as it has Qualcomm’s “Tango-optimized” Snapdragon 652 processor and 4GB of RAM. With a 6.4-inch display and Quad HD resolution, the AR experience can be as authentic as it can be. The latest of the Lenovo PHAB line to enter the Philippine market, it has a standard retail price of P24,999 and will be available by mid-December.

For the movie buff - Lenovo PHAB2

If binge-watching movies or TV shows all day is a favorite hobby, then the PHAB2 is perfect for that person on your gift list with its 6.4-inch 1280x720 HD IPS Screen and Dolby Atmos speakers that enable the device to play sounds in crisp and clear 5.1 surround sound quality.

Watching for countless hours shouldn’t be a problem as the PHAB2 comes with a 4050mAh battery and has a 1.3GHz quad-core processor coupled with 3GB of RAM.

The PHAB2 is now available nationwide in all Lenovo stores and authorized dealers for P 9,999.



For the shutterbug - Lenovo PHAB2 Plus

Photographers are in for a treat with the dual 13 MP f/2.0 rear camera setup of the Lenovo PHAB2 Plus! Capturing stunning images has never been easier with its Milbeaut® image processor—the same technology found in professional-grade cameras.

You can also shoot super-sharp selfies with the 8 MP front camera featuring a 75º wide-angle view. Whatever you do with your Phab 2 Plus photos, you can be sure they'll look PHABulous!

Similar to the PHAB2, it comes with an impressive 6.4 inch screen and also sports a 1.3GHz octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM. You can get your hands on it for P14, 999.

For the artist - Lenovo Yoga Book

Mobile productivity enters a new era with the Lenovo Yoga Book, a 2-in-1 tablet that is definitely first of its kind and never before seen. With its Create Pad, the Yoga Book is the perfect gift for the artist in your family as users can scribble notes or sketches using the stylus or with a real pen.

Boasting an exceptionally thin and light design, the Yoga Book weighs only 690g and is as thin as 4.05mm, making work or play on-the-go effortlessly easy. Thin, light, and stylish, the tablet is perfect to set creative imagination flowing, anytime, anywhere.

Buyers of the Yoga Book can either avail of a Windows 10 or an Android version. The Windows 10 costs P28,999 while the Android version is P23,999.

For the gamer - Lenovo IdeaPad Y700

Booming is definitely the appropriate term to describe the gaming scene today. The year 2016 saw major gaming titles being released one after another and what perfect way to enjoy these games (and the upcoming games, too) than to experience all of their 720P or 1080P Full HD glory using the Lenovo IdeaPad Y700.

Built for no-nonsense, on-the-go gaming, this 15- or 17-inch laptop has the hardware that hardcore gamers look for in a laptop. Overheating is a non-issue with its thermal fans keeping things nice and cool under the hood and its backlit keyboard is perfect for gamers who want an enhanced gaming experience.

Both laptops come with up to 16 GB DDR4 memory, more than enough room to handle the latest triple-A games. The 17” laptop however packs a stronger punch with its NVIDIA GTX 960M graphics. Oh, what a time for a gamer to be alive! Price starts at P69,995.

For the travelling yuppie - Lenovo Yoga 900

All of us know that traveling can be a burden. Packing heavy bags filled with clothes and gear can be draining, and with laptops becoming a necessity, it’s important for it to be durable, flexible, and light at the same time.

Fortunately for backpackers, the Lenovo Yoga 900 meets those very requirements. Weighing at a mere 1.3 kg and just 14.9 mm thick, the Yoga 900 is ultraportable — it's perfect for life on the go.

It features four different modes for users: Laptop, Stand, Tent, or Tablet. How, you ask? The secret is on the laptop’s watchband hinge and touchscreen which allows the screen to flip up to 360 degrees. Get it for P78,995.

beep Card can now be Loaded and Used for Payment at FamilyMart

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After its convenient usage at all MRT/LRT trains and BGC buses, the beep card can now also be used at all FamilyMart convenience stores. Talk about access to convenience in a convenience store! That's twice the convenience for all of us!

The beep card can now be reloaded and used to purchase products at all FamilyMart branches nationwide. That's cashless transactions for the consumers who can conveniently use the same beep card that we previously used only to travel in trains and buses.

At a media launch held on December 7, 2016 at the Glorietta 3 branch in Makati city. This is to officially announce the partnership between beep card's proponent AF Payments Inc., and FamilyMart, a Japanese convenience store chain of Ayala Corporation - Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

I'm sure the beep card will soon expand into more flexible usage to add to the existing lineup of partnerships where we can reload and use the card to purchase. The advantage goes to the consumers as it would definitely mean added convenience. So please do add more to the list so we do not need to carry so much different cards anymore in most, if not all, of our daily or regular transactions.

We interviewed both representatives from FamilyMart and AF Payments so please do watch our videos of them here and at our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/wazzuppilipinas

Power Mac Center Puts Spotlight on JBL Reflect Aware Earphones

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JBL now introduces another audio product that will surely catch the attention of music lovers especially those that regularly listen to their favorites while doing their usual routine at home or even work, or while having their exercise at their favorite workout gym, fitness center, dance studio or something similar like the Ride Revolution whose stationary bikes within the establishment are a great alternative to keeping our bodies in shape without the exposure to harmful pollution outside. 

Introducing the JBL Reflect Aware Earphones that are now available at all Power Mac Center branches nationwide.

The two companies recently joined together again to hold a product launch for the media on December 7, 2016 at the Ride Revolution studio located in Makati city.

We would have to thank the two companies for sponsoring another event that announces this gadget with impressive features that would help us to focus more on our music because of its noise cand=cellationa nd adaptive noise control.

Hosting the launch was the forever wacky yet really sporty Sam YG, while Sophia Andres was also there to brighten up the day with her beautiful presence. Both celebrities, aside from the other personalities who usually drop by at every Power Mac Center event, are brand ambassadors of our favorite gadget store, Power Mac Center, whose list of available iPhone accessories have grown so big already.

Our iPhone has never been lonely ever since the existence of Power Mac Center as it provides a convenient place to purchase our much needed iPhone and iPad accessories at very reasonable prices.

Getting the Best Out of Your Marketing, Sales and Service Teams

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Third Pillar conveys tips on establishing lasting customer relationships.

One of the challenges for insurance companies is providing excellent service and customer satisfaction to its clients. However, because of a fast-paced living among consumers brought about by the emergence of technology, the need for fast, efficient and effective customer turnaround is more important than ever if companies are to foster better client relations and retain customers.

According to Third Pillar, as consumer expectations continue to become more demanding, organizations have to excel in three aspects – marketing, sales, and customer service – if they are to provide customer delight.

With Salesforce, the world's leading and most innovative CRM, organizations may now engage with their customers more efficiently and smarter. Salesforce Marketing Cloud helps insurance companies know potential clients by capturing their profiles, thereby making it easier for the sales team to identify the right service or product to offer to a particular customer.

Salesforce Sales Cloud empowers your sales team to sell faster, smarter and more convenient through automated tracking of customer information and interactions. On the other hand, Salesforce Service Cloud is responsible of taking care of the customers and resolve issues quickly by giving the frontline team a systematic way of addressing concerns.

And because all of these solutions are in the cloud,the team can access the platform and perform their jobs even outside their offices and through different devices. They can easily check the status of leads, respond to cases that demand a quick turn-around time, and efficiently evaluate the overall performance of the team members over a period of time.

“Customer engagement is not just about telling your customers what you offer and closing the deal. It is actually a journey of connecting with your customers, understanding their needs and providing them the needed support and excellent after-sales service. Third Pillar and Salesforce help companies remain agile when it comes to delivering these expectations and forecast a better future of their business,” said Jennifer Ligones, President and CEO, Third Pillar.

For more information, visit Third Pillar’s website at http://www.3rd-pillar.com/.

Death Penalty and Lowering Age of Criminal Liability will Create “Death Row Kids”

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A progressive senator strongly opposed to the government’s plan to reimpose the death penalty and lower the age of criminal liability expressed alarm that the simultaneous efforts to reinstate the death penalty and lower the age of criminal liability will result in minors landing on death row.

In a press conference organized by Amnesty International-Philippines, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros said that the death penalty and the age of criminal liability lowered from 15 to 9 is a "deadly combination that will condemn Filipino children to a dark and sinister future in which they will become death row kids.”

Hontiveros also expressed serious concerns that the consolidated death penalty bill contradicts the government’s supposed rehabilitation and reformation programs for convicted drug users and criminals. “The broad scope of crimes punishable by death, including the mere possession of illegal drugs, is extremely bothering. What is therefore the point of building a mega-drug rehabilitation center in Nueva Ecija if the government wants all the drug addicts killed anyway?” the senator asked.

It was reported that the death penalty bill is now slated for plenary debates after the House justice committee on Wednesday approved the consolidated bill. It enumerated the following crimes punishable by death, namely: treason; piracy in general and mutiny on the high seas or in Philippine water; qualified piracy; qualified bribery; parricide; murder; infanticide; rape; kidnapping and serious illegal detention; robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons; destructive arson; plunder; possession of dangerous drugs; Carnapping, among others.

The mode of capital punishment could either be through hanging, by firing squad or lethal injection.

Fortinet Survey Reveals Cybersecurity Strategies of APAC Enterprises

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New Fortinet research identifies cloud and vulnerability in IT systems as the two greatest concerns for IT decision makers; uncovers trend favouring actionable threat intelligence, faster incident response and managed security services

“Our independent study highlights the urgent need among enterprise-scale organisations from all sectors in APAC to prioritize end-to-end cybersecurity protection with actionable, threat intelligence capabilities in the face of new digital business challenges. Enterprises need to respond more rapidly and effectively to security breaches by investing in integrated, adaptive cybersecurity architectures for the borderless network. Fortinet is uniquely equipped to deliver this security without compromise through a seamless, comprehensive security fabric.” - Patrice Perche, Senior Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Support, Fortinet

News Summary:

New research from Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cybersecurity solutions, has revealed the cybersecurity strategies of IT decision makers (ITDMs) at organisations with more than 250 employees across APAC:

64 percent say the best response to increased security breaches is to invest in new cyber security technologies that provide protection across the entire threat lifecycle.

The two greatest concerns of ITDMs were securing the cloud and protecting against vulnerabilities in IT systems:

o Securing the cloud: 67 percent for the region and 86 percent of Mainland Chinese respondents – the highest in APAC.

o Protecting against vulnerabilities in IT systems: 69 percent for the region and 74 percent of Thai respondents – the highest in APAC.

However, many see increased security breaches as a catalyst for outsourcing cybersecurity functions to a managed security service provider (MSSP). In all, the research found that within three to five years, 38 percent of APAC organisations could be addressing their cybersecurity priorities through outsourcing. The forecast for cybersecurity outsourcing adoption is highest in Singapore (59 percent), while in Thailand the take-up is lowest with only 30 percent of organisations expected to outsource.

Findings Advocate Need for Security Fabric and Actionable Threat Intelligence

The survey examined the response tactics of those affected by cyber attacks to illustrate how present security infrastructures have struggled to contend with the realities of an increasingly digital world.  Of the more than half (59 percent) of all APAC IT decision makers in the survey who reported a security breach in the last year, only 22 percent of them discovered this within minutes of the breach occurring.  Of the Indian respondents who experienced a recent breach, this response threshold was met by only 14 percent (the lowest in the region).

In some sectors, such as healthcare, it took 53 percent of respondents days, months or even years to spot breaches.

Such a deficiency in rapid, effective threat identification and response is proven to be highly costly to breached organisations as sensitive data is lost, systems are compromised and brand reputation is damaged.  

The survey found that, to mitigate these attacks and better protect their organisations, the number one action undertaken by ITDMs is the use of threat detection technologies (15 percent), closely followed by cloud-based cybersecurity services (13 percent).  Such capabilities are underpinned by the provision of actionable threat intelligence.

APAC respondents cited ‘improved risk management’ as the greatest value of threat intelligence (55 percent), followed by ‘improved prevention of attacks’ (53 percent) and ‘improved information security strategy’ (52 percent).

In terms of how and where new threat intelligence capabilities may be applied, 44 percent of those asked said they had their own threat research/incident response team monitoring all security activity in place today, though the number is only 25 percent in Hong Kong compared to 52 percent in Mainland China.  Meanwhile, 30 percent of respondents claimed to outsource their cyber threat intelligence to a managed security service provider. Locally, the figure is lowest in Mainland China (16%) and highest in Malaysia (35%).

Supporting Quote

“IT decision makers understandably want more resources to combat threats from all directions, but the answer doesn’t have to come in the form of spending more or ripping and replacing existing solutions.  Fortinet’s open, adaptive security fabric shows how enterprises can achieve true end-to-end protection with security capabilities that share intelligence across the entire attack surface.  We are unique in providing the same breadth of capability and performance whether enterprises choose to retain in-house control of their own cybersecurity infrastructure, or use the services of an MSSP partner from our growing global community.” - Jeff Castillo, Country Manager, Fortinet Philippines

Note on Survey Methodology

The 2016 Fortinet Global Security Survey was a research exercise undertaken on behalf of Fortinet by independent market research company Lightspeed GMI. The survey involved 1,399 qualified IT decision makers in 13 countries – predominantly CIOs, CTOs, IT Directors and Heads of IT – from organisations with more than 250 employees.

The APAC figures given in this press release concern the 643 participants sampled from six markets: China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. 

Shop for Business and Gifts inside the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo at the Megatrade Hall

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Are you looking forward for a successful and blessed 2017 in your life as an entrepreneur? The 2016 OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo can help you shop for the business you are looking for.

The Expo has health and beauty, technology, fashion, arts and crafts, food franchising, dealership and more that will definitely allow you to find the business that fits your budget and personality.

Research data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that only 2 out of every 10 Overseas Filipino Workers managed to save at least half of all their remittances.

“Regardless of the amount of the cash remittances sent, for every 10 OFWs, six (61.7 percent) were able to save less than 25 percent of the total amount received, two (21.6 percent) were able to save from 25 percent to 49 percent of it, and about two (16.7 percent) saved 50 percent or more,” the PSA reported.

This is followed by reports showing that one out of ten OFWs is broke, citing a 2011 study by Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc., which also found out that eight out of 10 OFWs who returned to the Philippines have no savings. 

Globe myBusiness Revolutionizes Philippine eCommerce with the Right Tools of the Trade

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In an economy where micro, small, and medium enterprises comprise 99.6% of all registered business, navigating through commerce in the Philippines can prove to be a hefty lot. Much of it is headlined by the humble sari-sari store, where anyone can purchase every good imaginable at his cost and convenience. But right at the cusp of the information age, even our mom and pop shops would have to learn to grow to sustain their economic presence and performance.

This was what Globe myBusiness championed at this year’s eCommerce Show Philippines 2016, in a gathering of the country’s leading technology enablers that aimed to revolutionize retail, in a ripe marketplace of over 100 million potential consumers, by offering the right tools in the increasingly changing rules of today’s trade.

“It is Globe myBusiness’ mission to help every business owner achieve success,” offered myBusiness Head Derrick Heng. By introducing innovative business solutions that would place retail conveniences at the palm of today’s most enterprising individuals and companies, Globe myBusiness aims to be the partner in bringing the needed technological boost to one’s business.

One shining example of exciting mobile business solutions powered by Globe myBusiness is Shopify, the leading international eCommerce platform utilized by over 300,000 merchants around the world. With its first break in the Philippine market through Globe myBusiness, it aims to make room for more, by enabling small and medium Filipino businesses to effortlessly launch a dependable and efficient commercial presence—with thoughtful display interface and easy-to-use point-of-sale access—in the infinite world of e-commerce.

Globe myBusiness extends Shopify’s enterprising efficiency by offering low monthly rates and 0% transaction fees for new sign-ups, opening a whole world of business possibilities in the greater worldwide web. For only P599 monthly for a Basic Shopify account, P2499 monthly for a Regular Shopify account, and P4999 monthly for an Advanced Shopify account, Globe myBusiness’ Shopify Plan offers flexible commercial connectivity to match your scale of business, while giving you access to billions of consumers worldwide.

“Retail is a very competitive industry. This is why we provide relevant & timely industry information to all our partners, so that you can adapt and serve your customers better. Your success is our business,” Heng guaranteed, addressing hundreds of eager attendees at this year’s eCommerce Show Philippines.

So get ahead of the market curve, and let new technology work for your business, with a network that has your best business interest in mind. Armed with the proper tools, the right data at the right time, and an infinite venue for commercial possibilities, Globe myBusiness Plan opens your micro, small, or medium businesses into even bigger and brighter possibilities.

CHED Clarifies Issues on “Desist” Instructions

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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) seeks to clarify recent issues and events surrounding the instruction of Malacanang to desist from attendance at cabinet meetings.

In response to the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella referring to the 22 August 2016 Memorandum instructing all presidential appointees to submit courtesy resignations, the CHED Chairperson did not submit due to the following:

●      Dr. Licuanan had a one-on-one meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte last 13 June 2016 in Davao and was personally assured by the President that he would respect her term of office and was instructed to continue doing her job.

●      Dr. Licuanan has been invited and has dutifully attended the Cabinet meetings beginning the second cabinet meeting last 11 July 2016, up to the eighth cabinet meeting on 03 November 2016.

●      Throughout this period, Dr. Licuanan has been faithful in fulfilling her duties as CHED Chairperson, and, recognizing her role as a member of the official family of the President, has been responsible and circumspect in making public statements that may in any way be misconstrued as being against President Duterte, primarily as a result of her being an appointee of then President Benigno S. Aquino III.

These are the reasons why the Chairperson was surprised that she was instructed to desist from attending Cabinet meetings starting 5 December 2016, on the basis of ‘irreconcilable differences’ according to Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr.

It must be recalled that CHED was created in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7722, as a Commission headed by a Chairperson instead of a Department. This meant strict qualifications and “a fixed term of four years without prejudice to one reappointment”. By stipulating a term that makes the Chairperson of CHED not co-terminus with the appointing authority, the law aimed to ensure continuity and protect the oversight agency for higher education from factors that would undermine its political neutrality. This is further underscored by the fact that the appointment of the CHED Chairperson is not confirmed by the Commission on Appointments of Congress, as practiced with the appointment of other cabinet secretaries.

The CHED Human Resources Division records show that Dr. Emmanuel Angeles’ term expired on 20 July 2010, thus, he only served the unfinished term of his predecessor, Romulo Neri. Its current Chairperson, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan then assumed office in July 2010 and was reappointed for another four years in July 2014, with her term ending on July 2018.

As stated earlier, the Commission fully respects the decision to exclude CHED from the Cabinet, understanding that this is the prerogative of any sitting President. It is important to note that while Republic Act 7722 provides the rank of cabinet secretary to the CHED Chairperson, historically, CHED has functioned effectively even without being part of the President’s cabinet, such as during the time of Presidents Ramos, Estrada and Macapagal-Arroyo.

With this, we would like to reiterate Dr. Licuanan’s commitment to continue her work as CHED Chairperson, and are assured by recent statements from Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella that the Commission will continue to be supported by the Duterte Administration.

The Commission has and will continue to support the Duterte Administration’s goals, aligning higher education policies and programs to the ten-point socio-economic agenda of the current government.

Issued this 8th day of December 2016 at the Higher Education Development Center Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

For the Commission:

  

(signed)

PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Ph.D.

Chairperson

SAP Enhances SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting with New Career Site Builder

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SAP SE today announced the launch and general availability of career site builder, which brings simple, consumer-style website design, creation and management to human resource (HR) and recruiting professionals. As part of the SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting solution, career site builder enables the rapid deployment and easy maintenance of responsive career sites.

“Companies around the world understand that every interaction reflects their brand and employee experience,” said David Ludlow, group vice president of Solution Management at SAP SuccessFactors.1 “Today’s job seekers won’t tolerate painful processes. With SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting, we help our customers along their entire talent acquisition journey — sourcing candidates across the globe, engaging and nurturing top candidates, and simplifying the hiring process. What I love about career site builder is that it is a beautiful reflection of what the cloud brings — simplicity, ease of use and great user experiences. We talk a lot about the burdens of overcustomization. These tools prove you don’t need to go down that path to provide a personalized, branded site that will help you deliver better outcomes for the business more quickly.”

According to Deloitte, nearly two-thirds2 of active candidates search for jobs on mobile devices, and 40 percent3 of candidates apply on mobile devices. With career site builder, recruiters can now be equipped with a content management system for career sites, enabling them to create mobile-friendly career sites quickly and painlessly, and make subsequent site edits and reorganizations with ease. The intuitive design and self-service capabilities help recruiters with minimal technical background up-level their career sites and gain flexibility in their talent acquisition strategies.