Lookna for Startups and Small to Medium Scale Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You just launched a startup and need to get your brand in front of as many eyes as possible. The problem is you are not just competing in your industry; you are competing with the millions of other marketing messages that consumers are bombarded with every day. 

Small business owners need to be realistic about their advertising campaigns. Typically, of course, they'll be looking for effective, low-cost solutions, but typically, too, you can have just one or the other; you're unlikely to find a simultaneously effective and inexpensive channel for your ads.

Lookna.com is the best option for a start-up business. Simply because you can advertise your products and services for FREE! Lookna provides fair and equal advertising opportunity by providing leverage to small scale business to compete with giant advertisers.

With the use of hyperlocal search engine from Lookna, you should be able to create an accurate target customer profile based on the data you've collected. With this information in hand, and what you know about your current clientele, you can begin to target similar demographics and psychographics with your campaigns to attract more customers. 

Whether you're advertising online or off, make sure your copy and imagery reflect the kind of customers you want to work with. This is key to targeting well. Many small businesses simply have no idea whether their advertising is actually working. This simply won't do.

Online advertising platforms like Lookna provides you with extensive stats related to your ads and will help you determine what is working and what isn't. This doesn't mean that you won't need to test and experiment, as it can take time for you to create an ad that resonates with your target customers, but it does mean that you can make faster decisions about what to try next.

Know when to advertise. At first glance, advertising year-round and spreading out your budget equally month-to-month may appear to be a wise and commonsense approach. But if you think back to your business launch, odds are you did a lot of things that can't be scaled. There's no way for you to sustain a similar marketing and advertising initiative throughout the entire year.

Do outreach yourself: One of the most important steps to an effective startup online advertising strategy is the content promotion. After you produce an incredible piece of branded content you need to amplify that piece of content as much as possible. Leverage your social media profiles, email industry experts, reach out to industry forums, and contribute to other popular sites that your consumers might visit. Invest a few hours a week to outreach or off-site writing and your startup will begin to gain traction.

Use your resources well. You know the importance of ranking well in search, but you may simply not have the resources and time to consistently create new, informative content for your website. Make an honest assessment of the resources available to you, and leverage them in a way that helps you grow your business.

Lookna promises that all services and listings that you will see in Lookna are accurate and from a legit business owner. The Advertiser account allows you to create your business listings to promote your business online. Searchers can then view your ads, know the services you offer and can contact you directly

Experience Convenience with Online Shopping

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Everyone now wants the ease of shopping online. Whether it's to purchase a new house, mobile phone, clothing, food or even groceries. Almost everything will soon become available for online purchase by means of online shopping portals.

This is because Internet-connected smartphones allows us to browse online for the stuff we need. We could even hail a cab with it, or find a place to stay on our trip to a weekend getaway with the family. Life has become more convenient thanks to a connected world powered by the Internet.

We call it smart shopping. When goods are delivered right on our doorsteps, we no longer expose ourselves to the hassles of traffic congested roads, long queues at the cashiers, rainy or scorching hot weather, and even criminal elements.

We also benefit from special promos, discounts, and other perks and freebies since sellers could easily lower their prices especially when they no longer need a physical store to sell their products.

Brands are now beginning to take advantage of what online shopping portals offer especially gadgets like smartphones, aside from sex toys, which are top in demand at their site. These special sales or promos are also becoming exclusive for the site making it a great option for other brands who would love to reach out to the online consumers that are mostly saturated by Millennials or digital natives.

True enough, nothing is stopping online shopping portals' success as many consumers are now embracing and trusting online platforms. Patrons of online shopping are not only getting convenience but also the best possible prices from brands.

The future would soon be made up of consumers all accessing vital information, and wares, online. This connected world has grown much smaller but with bigger opportunities for everyone to be more globally competitive.

We could imagine never ever leaving the comfort of our homes because everything can now be transacted online. The huge malls and shopping centers would soon be a thing of the past as they would be converted to establishments offering other services instead of selling or buying stuff. 

The future is indeed so within just a few clicks, swipes, taps and other gestures of the digital world. We are surely excited to experience the future of shopping with you all.

5 Suzuki Big Bikes Royal Arrival 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Suzuki Philippines recently unveiled its Big Bikes for the year 2017. The unveiling was held at the Suzuki Makati showroom to see the "Royal Arrival" of GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000, the Naked and handsome SV650A, Apex Predator GSX-S750 and the Suzuki Adventure Bike V Strom 1000XT. I saw some of these Suzuki Great Big Bikes creation roaring last year's MotoGP in Sepang.

Mr. Miguel Bichara on video gave his message on his technical experience with GSX-1000R at Clark International Speedway. While Dr Edwin Cua, Suzuki Big Bike President, shared his touring story for 2 months in US from East to West coast using a sport bike, and seeing different roads, landmarks, enduring weather and even got several ticket for speeding.

 

He said that its good to experience waking up in a tent campgrounds with your motorbike beside you. Than a luxury hotel, So the satisfaction level of travelling with Big Bikes were define in the Motorcycle History. That he always rent and reserve Suzuki Big Bikes. If given the chance, I like to do cross country adventure someday. Then Latin America, Euro Alps and Americas like what he did will be my option as well. After touring around 81 Philippine provinces.

If you measure the road he traveled in US, not the straight expressway path. It is much more longer if you measure the distance from US to Manila. So his looking for those bikes with 1 million KM on its odometer. Then his weeks tour in French and Euro alps then Philippine province. That his loyalty with Suzuki were tested thru time. Because it didn't broke with that cross months of country touring adventures.

Aside from Pretty Suzuki girl models, Enrique Gil its endorser graced the event. As Dianne Medina hosted the event, As we Gave a Sake toast to Riders, Dealers, Mr Hiroshi Suzuki, Bobby Orbe, Reynaldo Odulio Sr, Philip Garcia, Suzuki New Buyers, Media and Wheeltek Executives. Fresh from its win at Senior TT (Tourist Trophy) Isle of Man GSX-R100 continues its supremacy in various competitions.

After more than 30 years of excellent performance, domination and innovation history the GSX-R has its new aggressive look to match. The 6Gen GSX-R100 embodies the lifework of passionate Suzuki Engineers to determine the needs of people who love riding and racing. To restore the throne as the King of Super-bikes.

 

The powerful, cleanest-running, hardest-accelerating GSX-R ever built. Its also the best handling, most aerodynamic and most compact GSX-1000 with smoother response & better combustion efficiency. Its electronic engine management system doesn't require an Engineering degree to understand.

A machine designed to turn, run and stop easily. With powerful acceleration, cornering and braking makes its the most awesome GSX-R ever made. Available in 2 version GSX-R1000 and the limited edition production GSX-R1000R both ready for street ready for licencing.

If you take off the Mirror, plate and tape the lights they are also available for close course racetrack fun. Avail in Red, Blue and Matte Black at 995k pesos while the GSX-R100R in blue @ 1.169M pesos and special black finish @ 1.189M pesos. While the V-Twin fun for all Riders SV650A Sporty V-Twin superior valued @ 339k pesos.

The Apex Predator GSX-750 with 749cm3 four cylinder fuel injected engine maximize its potential power on streets and windy roads. Priced @ 539k blue/black and red/black while the matte black is priced at 559k pesos. Apex predator super-sport engine armed with latest technology you can carry going in style. 

V- Strom 1000XT already proven itself to be the powerful yet comfortable touring ride. Its designed to conquer steep rough mountain slopes with powerful performance. It defies your adventure appetite with state of the art technology Bosch ABS system for soft maneuver to support difficult task.

The wheels of this Adventure Bike is bigger designed for rough off road, asphalt adventure. At 19" in front wheel and 20" in the back wheel. For touring thrill durability and flexibility. With traction control for wheel streaming and off road intervention. Also it has knuckle covers protection for your fingers during harsh condition.

Its motion track braking system will support riders to trace intended sudden or excessive acceleration. The advanced traction control system enables rider to control the throttle in difficult situation. As Bobby describes its VStrom 1000XT riding experience in Mt Pinatubo. Available in Yellow and White color retail at 734k pesos. Toast and more power to Royal Big Bikes Arrival!

Below is the official press release from the event:

Suzuki’s newest Big Bikes finally set foot in the Philippines in a royal arrival and are now ready to conquer the country with their powerful engine, outstanding performance and great handling that will defy your adventure whether it may be on the racetrack, the streets or the best destinations you can imagine. 

Five highly anticipated Suzuki Big Bikes were unveiled during the launch led by the King of Sportbikes which had been dubbed as the best GSX-R ever made - GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000; the handsome and naked bike SV650A, the apex predator GSX-S750 and the updated version of the much-loved Suzuki adventure bike – V-Strom 1000XT. 

The exclusive launch aptly called as The Royal Arrival was held at Suzuki Big Bikes Center Makati operated by Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation and was attended by Wheeltek and Suzuki executives – Wheeltek’s President Mr. Reynaldo Odulio Sr., PhD, Executive Vice President Mrs. Teresita Odulio, VP for Sales and Marketing Mr. Roscoe Odulio, VP for Finance Mr. Raymond Odulio, General Manager for Big Bikes Mr. Bobby Orbe, Marketing Manager Mr. Mark Chuidian and Regional Sales Manager Mr. Philip Garcia. From Suzuki, President Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, Managing Director Mr. Norminio Mojica, General Manager for Sales and Marketing Mr. Jun Bulot, Regional Sales Manager for North Luzon Mr. Erick Fernandez and Marketing Head Mr. Monch Bontogon. 

Suzuki Auto-Moto Makati was converted into a launch venue filled up with the Japanese giant’s latest big bikes. Guests who were all Big Bikes enthusiasts and friends from the media flocked to the place all thrilled to see the new two-wheel vehicles that will dominate the Philippine roads. 

Mr. Miguel Bichara gave a short message on his experience of the GSX-R1000R attesting that it can really own the racetrack while Mr. Edwin Matthew Cua, PhD, Suzuki Big Bikers (SBB) Club President also showed his excitement on the new Suzuki rides. He also gave a glimpse of his adventure rides with his first 2 trusty Suzuki Big Bikes – the Suzuki Katana and the 2nd generation Suzuki VStrom 650. 

Wheeltek and Suzuki Motocross rider Ompong “Danger Boy” Gabriel also attended the event. Celebrity Mr. Wally Bayola, a loyal Suzuki rider joined the launching of the big bikes as well. Completing the star studded event, Suzuki endorser Mr. Enrique Gil also graced the event with his presence all thrilled to ride on his new GSX-S750 already. The event was hosted by Ms. Dianne Medina. 

A ceremonial key turnover was also held with the first Suzuki big bikes owners for VStrom 1000XT Mr. Jingo Sy as well as Mr.& Mrs. Blazevic, for SV60A Mr. Vicente Ramos and for GSX-R1000R Mr. Third Ramos. Of course the event will not be complete without the presence of the Suzuki big bikes clubs – Suzuki Big Bikers Club of the Philippines and Adventure Team Philippines. 

OWN THE RACETRACK WITH THE GSX-R1000 Series (GSX-R1000R & GSX-R1000) 

Fresh from its win at the Senior TT (Tourist Trophy) Isle of Man, the GSX-R1000 continues to reign supreme in various competitions. For more than 30 years of excellent performance, innovation and domination, it has now transformed to the most advanced, most exciting Suzuki GSX-R in history with an aggressive new look to match. 

Now, the 6th-generation GSX-R1000 is redefining what it means to be The Top Performer. It embodies the life work of Suzuki engineers who are passionate about the GSX-R1000 and its place in motorcycle history. 

Men who love riding and racing, determined to restore the GSX-R1000 to its throne as The King of Sportbikes. It is the most powerful, hardest-accelerating, cleanest-running GSX-R ever built. It is also the most compact, the most aerodynamic and the best-handling GSX-R1000, with smoother throttle response and better combustion efficiency. 

With a supremely effective electronic engine management system that doesn’t require a degree in engineering to understand, and doesn’t need a squad of computer technicians to make work. It is a machine designed to turn a simple expression of what really matters—Run, Turn, Stop— into the powerful combination of acceleration, cornering, and braking that makes this the most awesome GSX-R ever produced. 

Available in two versions, the standard GSX-R1000 and the limited-production GSXR1000R, both come fully equipped for the street, ready for licensing. But take off the mirrors and the license plate and tape the lights and they’re also ready for closed-course fun. The heart of a racebike beats in every GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R, delivering an invitation to Own The Racetrack. 

The GSX-R1000 is available at Blue, Red and Matte Black priced at Php 955,000 while the GSX-R1000R which comes in blue color is at Php1,169,000. The GSX-R1000R also comes in a Special Black Finish which is priced at Php 1,189,000. 

V-TWIN FUN FOR ALL RIDERS: SV650A 

Since its first public appearance in March, the SV650A has been an eye catcher to the majority of bike enthusiasts. The new SV650 is a rider’s go-anywhere dream machine which is built to deliver SV that stands for so many things: Sporty V-twin, Superior Value, and Simple and Versatile. 

Sporty V-twin: Suzuki’s V-twin engine’s calibrated irregular firing intervals create a unique heartbeat-like sound and linear power delivery. It is a motorcycle dominating the racing V-twin cup and can also easily fit in the city riding condition. 

Superior Value: In order to further improve overall fuel efficiency and emissions control, the V-twin- engine came with a lot of innovations such as Dual Spark 90 degree V-Twin, Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM), Dual Spark Technology, newly designed pistons and rings, Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) Fuel injection and Low RPM Assist Control 

Simple and Versatile: The simple base design of the SV650 is right at home on all roads — whether it’s a sprawling modern city or the suburban country side. Engineered to all riders, this motorcycle delivers an unforgettable experience with every ride you take now and a long way down the road. Take the keys then take command of excitement. 

The SV650A is available in 3 colors – Black, Blue and White which are all priced at Php 399,000. The red variant will also arrive within the year. 

THE APEX PREDATOR: GSX-S750 

The new GSX-S750 is ready to rock the streets with its powerful 749cm3 four-cylinder fuel-injected engine that is especially tuned and refined to maximize its potential on the streets and on winding roads. The GSX-S750 features the best of both worlds by having greater power with fewer emissions plus a Three-mode traction control system that provides greater confidence and reduces fatigue by delivering control over engine output that helps prevent rear wheel spin. 

The system operates so smoothly and naturally that it does not interfere with handling, even when the rider wishes to engage in aggressive sports riding. It is also leading in its class with its superb parts such as crankcase ventilation holes, long nosed fuel injectors, final gear ratio optimized for positive acceleration, sound tuning, and easy start system. 

This is the perfect sportbike for all bike enthusiasts who are looking for maximum performance and a dynamic ride. A true apex predator with a supersport engine, armed with the latest technologies that you can carry wherever you want to ride, in style. 

The GSX-S750 is available in 3 colors – Blue/Black and Red/Black which are priced at Php 539,000 and in Matte Black which is priced at Php 559,000. 

SUPREME SOAR: V-STROM 1000XT 

The V-Strom Series has already proven itself to be a very powerful yet comfortable touring ride. It is designed to conquer the steep mountain with a pillion rider, yet still leaving a grin on your face with its exciting sportiness. 

Now with an updated look with a more powerful performance, the V-Strom 1000XT is set once again to defy your adventure with its state of the art technology that is always there to support a difficult task. 

It is powered by a new generation ABS which ensures safe maneuverability while traversing the mountain roads. The Bosch ABS system has been upgraded to the “Motion Track Brake System” by installing a 5-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and by combining the information of the posture of the vehicle with the front and rear wheel speeds, realizing optimal vehicle stability when braking not only in straight-line but also when cornering. 

This new sophisticated system instantly assesses the need of ABS application when the lever or pedal is operated by calculating the posture of the vehicle and wheel speeds. 

Also a new feature is the Combination Brake which automatically applies pressure to the rear brake when the front brake pressure rises to a certain point. This technology, combined with the Motion Track Brake System, will support the rider to trace the intended line to an extent in situations such as sudden/excessive braking in corners, efficiently reducing the speed and stabilizing the vehicle even when at various lean angles. 

It also inherits the Advanced Traction Control System from the previous model which enables the rider to control the throttle with more confidence in difficult riding situations. Popular for its comfort, the new V-Strom 1000 XT raised the bar once again to next level of ease. The newly designed faring controlling the wind, combined with the bike’s lightweight and maneuverable nature, has advanced its mile-eating performance to take you even further. 

Reducing the wind blast to the hands of the rider and providing comfort especially in the rain or cold weather, the once optional Knuckle Covers are now standard to support harsh condition riding. Comfort and accurate control to the levers are improved by installing the optional Grip Heaters for long distance rides in severe conditions. The Under Cowling is also standard to give the rider that extra adventure feel. 

The V-Strom 1000XT also comes with a Rios which gives more flexibility and durability when touring. Embrace the thrill of touring and soar supreme with the new V-Strom 1000XT. For an extensive adventure experience, the V-Strom 1000XT also comes with accessories. 

The V-Strom 1000XT is available in Yellow and White colors with an SRP of Php 734,000.

Jomary Torres Eyes Huge Win Over Thai Martial Arts Superstar in ONE Championship Debut

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino newcomer Jomary Torres sets her sights on a colossal goal in her ONE Championship debut as she aims to make a statement against up-and-coming Thai martial arts superstar Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige.

Both ladies are set to square off against each other on the undercard of ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS, which takes place at the glamorous Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in Macao, China on 5 August.

Torres, who holds a fledgling professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 1-0, is not expecting to be other competitor’s footstool to move up in the rankings as she intends to walk out with the victory in her first appearance as a ONE Championship athlete.

“It’s my first time to compete in ONE Championship. I am honored and blessed to be in this top-notch organization, which is widely considered as the frontrunner of MMA in the region. Of course, I am aiming to get a big win. I’ve worked hard just to make it here. I won’t waste this opportunity,” she claimed.

Torres is a talented Filipino prospect who trains out of the Wushu-savvy Catalan Fighting System gym.

Moreover, Torres had her lone match in August 2016 at a local Filipino MMA event, where she took a convincing unanimous decision triumph.

However, Torres is fully aware that having her hand raised against a well-rounded MMA competitor like Ishige will be a tough task.

Ishige is a certified eye candy that can grace on the cover of a top fashion magazine, sashay down the catwalk with the latest apparel, or endorse high-end beauty products in a television advertisement.

But Ishige is more than a pretty face because deep within, she is an authentic martial artist.

The 28-year-old beauty is of Thai and Japanese heritage and comes from a family of martial artists. Her late father was a judo practitioner, and her older sister who is now a medical doctor trained in Taekwondo.

Heavily influenced by her father, Ishige began her martial arts training at the age of nine with Aikido, Karate and Taekwondo.

Ishige successfully won her first two assignments as a pro this year, stopping Audreylaura Boniface via first-round technical knockout this past March before notching a first-round submission win over Nita Dea last May.

“We are keenly studying my opponent for this fight. She is a true martial artist. It’s part of her lifestyle. It’s in her blood,” Torres said of Ishige.

“I know what she is capable of doing inside the cage. She has a good Muay Thai base. Aside from that, she also has a good ground game. But I am coming into this bout very prepared. I am not giving myself any room for error,” she added.

Even though Ishige seems to have the upper hand in some departments of the vast fight game, Torres has no qualms when it comes to trading kicks and punches with her highly-touted Thai foe.

“My foundation is Wushu. I have no problem if she wants to fight standing up. I am already expecting that she will trade strikes with me. I can strike very hard too,” she cautioned.

Torres and Ishige are relatively inexperienced with almost matching records, but the Filipina striker believes that her key to victory lies wholly within herself.

“I will work hard on myself. I like to concentrate my training on myself. It does not matter about the opponent. The important thing for success is self-confidence. The key to self-confidence is preparation, and I am well prepared for this fight. If I have good preparation, I can fight anybody,” she ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Intellicare Attributes Business Growth and Success to Adapting a Digital Mindset

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Intellicare, one of the country’s preeminent HMOs (Healthcare Management Organizations), recently posted a membership base of more than 1.2 million--a significant increase from 100,000 members in 2000. Aside from excellent service, the company attributes this growth to their thrust in embracing digital transformation.

Also known as Asalus Corporation, Intellicare tapped local cloud pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) to elevate its IT systems. Through IPC, Intellicare subscribed to Google’s G Suite, an integrated productivity suite made for communication, storage, and collaboration in the workplace.

“As we continued to grow and expand our client base, we started to receive hundreds of emails every day, coming from within and from our clients in different sites nationwide. Sustaining this growth wouldn’t be possible without adapting a digital mindset and the assistance of IPC,” said Arnie Dantis, Intellicare’s Vice President – Operations & Information Technology.

G Suite is not only about email. The package is inclusive of various workplace productivity tools namely: video and voice conferencing, chat messaging, 30GB of file and email storage, unlimited online storage for standard quality photos and documents, sheets and slides created using the native apps, basic website development and hosting, calendars and notes, all with the capability to share and collaborate online, anytime, anywhere, on any device.

According to Dave de Leon, IPC Chief Operating Officer, Intellicare’s choice of employing G Suite was a sound and necessary decision that is required in most enterprises today. “With Intellicare’s fast-growing client base, they needed a software that can keep up with their business by encouraging collaboration and productivity. With G Suite, they now have a stable, reliable, and highly mobile work email, collaborative desktop tools, and easy to use chat and video communications. By embracing digital, Intellicare is in a better position to support their clientele.”

By having access to emails, important work files, and chat and video software on the go, IPC explained that companies that shift from traditional email to G Suite can expect significant improvements in overall team collaboration and productivity.

“One main issue that we had before was the capital expenditure needed to upgrade our old system. Because G Suite is all in the cloud, we no longer have to worry about physical infrastructure. Since email is a vital part of our technical ecosystem, we at Intellicare cite the mobility factor as the top solution that alleviated us from all the headaches,” added Dantis.

To further empower Filipino enterprises and organizations, IPC launched its #DiscoverDigital campaign in May, consisting of various activities including seminars in business centers across Metro Manila to encourage them to think out of the box and make the digital pivot towards operational efficiency, profitability, and business success.

To find out how your company can ride the digital wave and to register for IPC’s #DiscoverDigital events, visit www.ipc.ph/discoverdigital and follow IPC on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Guardians of the Visayan Sea Convened

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Governors and mayors from the Visayas committed to protect and restore the Visayan Sea, one of the richest fishing grounds in the Philippines, from illegal commercial and destructive fishing.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Eduardo Gongona signed the covenant of commitment and cooperation for the protection and conservation of the Visayan Sea, with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III represented by the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) head, Baltazar Tribunalo Jr.

“Our goal is to be food sufficient, and later on, to be a food exporting country. We have to protect and develop our marine resources, especially for food security, to feed millions of people. This is a challenge, but we can do it. If we do our job together, with strong partnership with local government units, we can achieve more,” Gongona said during the governor’s meeting in Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo last 22 July.

Bounded by the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu and Masbate, the Visayan Sea is one of the country’s richest fishing grounds, hosting a variety of high-value species such as tuna, herring, mackerel, blue swimming crab and sardines. However, scientists reported a steady decline in seafood supply from the 1980s onwards – due mostly to the prevalence of blast fishing, plus the encroachment of trawls, purse seines and ring nets in municipal waters.

Fortinet Launches Global Threat Intelligence Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Service Arms CISOs with Actionable and Prioritized Threat Intelligence Enabling a Quick and Proactive Response to Targeted Attacks

Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cybersecurity solutions, today announced a new threat intelligence service that arms Cybersecurity leaders with cyber situational awareness highlighting the latest threat trends and cyber risks facing their organizations. Fortinet’s FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Service (TIS) enables CISOs to stay ahead of the global threat landscape and proactively defend their enterprises against rapidly evolving threats.

• FortiGuard TIS is a cloud-based threat intelligence platform that provides threat metrics and activity trends, enabling CISOs to instantly understand what is happening across the global threat landscape.
• FortiGuard TIS leverages Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs leading threat intelligence research. FortiGuard Labs consists of more than 200 expert researchers analyzing data collected from more than three million sensors around the globe.

Global and Industry Threat Intelligence at a CISO’s Fingertips

A recent Forrester survey of 342 security leaders found that the CISOs’ largest cybersecurity challenge is adapting to “the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats.” The report recommends that CISOs gather good threat intelligence that provides insight into attacker methods and indicators of compromise, noting that 78% of CISOs that have adopted a threat intelligence platform haven’t experienced a breach. It’s clear that CISOs who properly leverage threat intelligence combined with a technology-driven security strategy are better prepared to successfully defend their organizations.

FortiGuard TIS is specifically designed to provide the threat intelligence needed for CISOs to stay on top of the latest threat trends so they can effectively communicate cybersecurity risks to the C-Suite and board while also enabling more efficient management of Security Operations to maximize resources and proactively defend against trending threats.

• Global threat landscape activity is prioritized so that CISOs can instantly understand which type of cyber threat is on the rise. This easy to understand data can be communicated to the wider organization and also enables security leaders to more effectively task their security operations teams.   
• Kill Chain reporting provides additional details on the unique and specific threat trends currently impacting their industry and the globe. Security leaders can see the most active applications, intrusion prevention signatures, malware and botnets on an industry-by-industry basis and easily compare these trends within their industry, by company size, by geographic location and with the overall landscape.
• CISOs can drill down further into specific threat details to identify its activity trends, prevalence and ranking. Integration with the FortiGuard Encyclopedia provides enhanced threat descriptions that includes details of the origin, behaviors and remediation steps.
• Individual application vulnerabilities and malware can also feature additional notes created by FortiGuard Labs threat researchers that provide timely insights into campaign-specific or emerging threats. Expanded commentary is often featured in periodic Fortinet blogs, quarterly FortiGuard Threat Landscape Reports, and weekly FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Briefs.

Availability

Fortinet’s FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Service is available as an open beta today. Please visit https://tis.fortiguard.com/signup to learn more.

“Given the maturity and breadth of our sensor network, Fortinet is uniquely positioned to provide accurate threat intelligence telemetry across a diverse and broad range of sources across the globe. FortiGuard Labs ingests over 50 billion events daily, and now with the FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Service we are able to deliver those same extensive threat insights to our customers and the security community at large.” - John Maddison, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet

Hontiveros to Push for Package of Health and Women Bills in Senate’s 2nd Regular Session

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To build on the success of the passage of her three maiden bills, upon the opening of Congress, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros vowed to push for a new set of legislative measures aimed at addressing key health and women’s concerns.


“Strengthened Anti-Hospital Detention Law"

As a follow up to the successful passage of her strengthened Anti-Hospital Deposit Bill, Hontiveros is set to file a bill to enhance Republic Act 9439 otherwise known as the Anti-Hospital Detention Law. The current law prohibits health facilities from detaining patients who have fully or partially recovered due to non-payment in full or in part of hospital bills. However, Hontiveros said that there is a need to strengthen its implementation as there are numerous documented violations of the said measure.

"Ang hospital ay lugar ng gamutan, hindi kulungan," Hontiveros asserted.

“Bibong BHW Bill”

The Senator, who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, will also push for the passage of Senate Bill 214 or the Bibong BHW Act of 2016. The measure aims to create a training program for all Barangay Health Workers (BHW) to ensure that their skills in primary health care remain up to date. The Bill also proposes that all BHW’s be entitled to a monthly allowance with additional incentives covered under the Magna Carta for Health Workers, including such benefits as PAG-IBIG, GSIS and PhilHealth coverage.

To improve government support for the nutrition of infants in their first 1000 days of life, Hontiveros will also push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1145 or the Healthy Bulilit Act. She said that various health experts have identified a child’s first 1,000 days as a “golden window” for development, with effects ranging from the potential to prevent stunted growth and the opportunity to improve cognitive development.



Bills on women’s rights and equality

Meanwhile, Hontiveros emphasized two proposed bills in the area of women’s rights and gender equality.

The Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act, or Senate Bill No. 1326, penalizes gender-based harassment in public spaces. This pertains specifically to wolf-whistling, cat-calling leering, homophobic and transphobic slurs, and persistent requests for a woman’s name and contact details. On the other hand, the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) criminalizes discrimination against members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Trans-Gender (LGBT) community, specifically the restriction of access to public health services, employment and education on the basis of ones gender and Sexual Orientation and Gender Orientation or SOGIE.

"Despite the challenges presented by the political conjuncture, we will sustain the momentum of pursuing reforms in the health, women and gender struggles," Hontiveros ended.

In the Senate’s First Regular Session, Hontiveros successfully pushed for the passage of the Strengthened Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, 120-day Expanded Maternity Leave Bill and the Mental Health Act.

Beko PH Urges Filipinos to Go Green When Doing Their Laundry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The call to conserve water and energy has never been more imperative than today. With the effects of global warming and climate change now more pronounced than ever before, there is a need to be mindful of the way we spend our resources. This not only extends to the way we use our water resources but also the way we consume electricity.


Be wise energy users.

As part of Beko’s green initiatives, Beko Philippines encourages Filipinos to become wise energy users by contemplating on their laundry routine. Beko understands that doing the laundry also requires a significant amount of electricity.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the household sector is the second major user of electricity. In fact,laundry accounts 29 percent of other household electricity usage based on the latest available Household Energy Consumption Survey (HECS) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Beko believes that we must take into account how much energy is consumed even on our laundry. As we envision a greener laundry routine, the company has been initiating outstanding contributions toward the protection of the environment through energy efficiency and innovating eco-friendly washing machines,” said Dyeun Zapanta, Beko Philippines Sales and Marketing Head.

Beko suggests that households follow regular laundry days and avoid running the washing machine for only a few pieces of items.



Invest on energy-efficient washing machines.

Beko Philippines underlines that by taking steps to reduce energy consumption, one could contribute to a cleaner and greener world. For instance, investing on energy-efficient washers and dryers significantly cuts your electric bills.

Recently, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) tested the energy efficiency of certain Beko washing machines in line with its Orange Tags campaign. The Meralco Orange Tags are easy-to-understand labels that indicate estimated energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and estimated cost per hour to inform consumers on how much electricity a household product consumes.

Meralco tested some Beko’s washing machines in three trials. Items tested ranged from front loaders, top loaders and dryers in different sizes and capacities. The said survey revealed that the washing machines are all energy efficient. The results of the test are as follows:

Beko Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine – Meralco estimated that the average cost per wash of Beko’s three top-loads amounts to only a peso per hour of washing cycle.

Specifically, for a 7-kg capacity washing machine, every wash amounts to only PhP0.96 per hour of washing with 0.09 energy consumption and 94 watts for power usage.

Meanwhile, for 9-kg capacity top load, Meralco calculated that the cost per wash cycle amounts to PhP1.14 for almost an hour of washing with 0.11 energy consumption and 97 watts. On the other hand, for 12kg top load, they assessed that the cost per wash amounts to PhP1.37 again for almost an hour with 0.13 energy consumption and 109 watts.

Beko Frontload Fully Automatic Washing Machine – For a 7-kg and 9-kg capacity, the estimated cost per wash both costs 9 pesos per almost four hours of washing with 0.88 and 0.84 energy consumption, respectively.

On the other hand, for 10.5-kg frontload, they measured that every wash costs 15 pesos for a full load, full cycle with duration of nearly four hours with 1.47 energy consumption and 380 watts for power usage.

Beko Dryers – For Beko’s 7-kg dryer, the estimated cost per drying cycle amounts to six pesos per half an hour with 0.63 energy consumption and 1,217 watts.

“Our products are meant to not only improve how people live but also improve how we impact our environment. “Choosing an energy efficient washing machine can do more for the environment and at the same time, reduce the cost of their water and electricity bills. That is why we are bringing the efficiency of our washing machines as the Official Partner of the Everyday to help Filipino consumer save energy,” added Zapanta.


Beko Ph on its second year

Beko Philippines continues to innovate products that can make a difference in the lives of Filipinos. With their strong emphasis and commitment toward raising awareness on energy consumption and innovating energy-efficient washing machines, they encourage Filipinos to take part towards preserving their environment by taking into consideration their energy consumption.

Strengthening its local presence as it approaches its third year in the Philippines, leading European home appliance brand Beko further penetrates the Filipino market. Since 2015, Beko Philippines already doubled its distribution in the country. The company has also tripled its sales through its enhanced and domineering product line that continuously meets the need of the Filipino market.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit their website atwww.beko.ph

APAC IT Leaders Should Cultivate Situational Awareness to Thwart Cyber Threats

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fortinet, a global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, today advised IT leaders in Asia Pacific to hone their situational awareness skills in order to better defend their organizations against cyber threats.

Human beings are continually looking for knowledge or information to improve the situations they are in. If we live in a crowded city, for example, we want to know which routes are best to avoid getting stuck in traffic. When we enter a restaurant or cinema, we look for the exits. And when a suspicious looking person enters the room, part of our mind automatically keeps track of him. This behavior is known as situational awareness, and it is second nature to most of us.

“When people use IT, however, this behaviour surprisingly doesn’t carry over. They click on dubious links without a second thought, open files they don’t recognize, and connect to wireless networks they are unfamiliar with,” said Jeff Castillo, Fortinet Assistant Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Hong Kong, Country Manager Philippines. “If people could become more situationally aware in their handling of computing devices, they − and the organizations they work for − would be victimized by cyber threats much less often.”

Situation awareness in enterprise IT environments start with understanding the organization’s business priorities, risks and threats. IT leaders must be able to frame the issues they are dealing with within short and long-term business objectives, have clear line-of-sight across the organization and technologies, and be able to establish policy and governance for everyone who touches the firm’s data.