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LGUs
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
ART TRIPS IN THE METRO By Edgardo S. Tugade
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ome art lovers say Metro Manila and other urban centers have lost touch with creation and creativity because of commercialization and high technology. To balance this extreme skepticism, an art enclave in Quezon City has launched several art tours in the region that makes art, history and culture a part of modern city life again.
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Erehwon Center for the Arts in Old Balara was established in 2012 and has hosted exhibits and performances by both well-known and aspiring artists from the country’s cities and provinces. It said it “seeks to be the living hub and nerve center of the arts in the Philippines and further inspire the development and promotion of Philippine art.” Its four-story building houses gallery spaces, a dance studio, a music hall, an outdoor stage, a conference hall and a rooftop for outdoor performances. The tour, which was launched in 2016, caters to individuals or groups. Airconditioned vans take local or foreign tourists to museums, heritage sites and landmarks, galleries and even artists’ studios. Whole-day, half-day and special tour packages are offered that cover transportation, entrance fees, lunch and snacks, a souvenir photo and tour guides. Those who opt for whole-day packages can choose among 1. the National Museum and Intramuros tour, which includes Casa Manila, the San Agustin Church, Bahay Tsinoy and Fort Santiago; 2. the Manila and Intramuros tour, that covers the University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Malacaan Museum and the Intramuros attractions listed above; and 3. the Rizal Province Art tour that visits the Blanco Art Museum, the Nemiranda Art House and Cafe, and the Pinto Art Museum. The half-day Metro Culture tour stops at the Ayala and Yuchengco museums in Makati. There are three special tours, all in the City of Manila. The first will drive tourists to the Malacaan Museum, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Museum. The second option will let them experience the Coconut Palace, the CCP and the Met Museum. The third package will admit them to the National Museum, the Met Museum and the Bangko Sentral Money Museum. Interested parties may log on to www.erehwonarttours.com, www. erehwonartcenter.com. They may also call (02) 294-5286 or (02) 218-2618, or e-mail travelandtours@erehwonarttours.com.
TRAINERS. Now that Pokemon Go is going out of fashion, millennials may opt to hunt for art treasures in Metro Manila itself through Erehwon Arts Center’s whole-day or half-day tours. The art center also offers tours to other local government units. Erehwon Arts Center
REGIONAL WRITING, A REVISIT By Honor Blanco Cabie ACADEMICS and observers of the country’s literary landscape, which has several major languages apart from Filipino, are agreed there should be a pool of good and efficient translators of the literature outside of the national capital. And they should also take note of the fact that much of the marginalized literature—most often folk— has been purely oral, suggesting the time was ripe to catch and preserve them on tape. For instance, before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, West Visayan literature was purely oral and was in Kinaray-a, suggesting, in the view of scholars, that this must have been the language of the region in folk literature of the 10 Bornean datus. Folk literature ranges from brief riddles, proverbs, ditties, ritual chants to expansive love songs, tales, and extensive epics. It also has poetry called binalaybay and the tale is the asoy or sugilanon. The asoy may be a legend or a tale about a folk hero or a local happening. Among the Panay epics are the Labaw Donggon and the Hinilawod. Ritual chants are delivered by the babaylan or healer to please the diwata or supernatural beings or spirits in exchange for good health and luck in the home and the fields during planting and harvest climes. The arrival of the Spaniards and the eventual conversion of the inhabitants to Christianity produced new forms of folk literature and saw the beginning of written literature, initially with translation of Spanish texts of prayers and lives of the Catholic saints. With the arrival of the Americans before the turn of the 19th century came the locally described Golden Age of Hiligaynon literature. But the orientation was still heavily Spanish—didactic and Roman Catholic despite strong nationalistic orientation. Tagalog literature, nurtured and nourished in the provinces of Southern Luzon, parts of Central Luzon, and Metro Manila, is considered by some scholars as the birthplace of a rich tradition of Filipino culture in language, politics, economy and literature. Other scholars, while not openly disagreeing with such commentary, argue that other regions can lay as much claim to such a rich tradition. They note the wealth in chests of other literary zones— the Ilocanos, the Pampangos, the Bikolnon, the Visayan languages down to the locales in Mindanao, and others. Particularly outstanding oral literature in Tagalog-speaking provinces are the bugtong (riddle), proverbs and native songs. This discipline is always in poetic forms, usually seven-syllabic rhymes which, according to some scholars, is truly Asian in form and perspective. Poet and fictionist Domingo Landicho, commenting on the history and tradition of Tagalog literature, observes that the tradition of Tagalog literature “has been bequeathed upon the national consciousness of the Filipinos all over the Philippines.”
BONSAI CULTURE TAKES ROOT IN BACOLOD
It’s utter sublimation, A feat, this heart’s control Moment to moment To scale all love down To a cupped hand’s size. From “Bonsai” by National Artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo
THE 1st Bacolod Bonsai Society’s Bonsai Exhibit and Workshop held at the Annex Building Grounds of the New Government Center from October 17-23 was a success, the society’s president Anthony Michael Merin announced. “Considering that it was the club’s first exhibit, I’m happy and proud because through the art of bonsai, we brought together people from all walks of life,” Merin related. The show is an official activity of the month-long Masskara festivities, he said. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Moises dela Cruz who represented City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Rufo Jover from the
CULTURED. Bonsai enthusiasts in Bacolod are growing in number. Chris Xanthy Abuan Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. inducted the officers of the Bacolod society. Three People’s Choice winners were chosen on Saturday from more than 90 trees entered by the society’s members, but their names and entries were not made available as of presstime. Merin, who maintains a small farm
and was a previous employee started learning bonsai 10 years ago. He revealed that the group plans to have more shows, workshops, garden visits and skills upgrade of bonsai culturists. Herden Pedrajas also conducted a lecture and demonstration workshop, together with PBSI members Jun Sera-
pio, Rufo Jover and Jess Cabrera. The workshop was free admission and open to the public. The participants were allowed to sell their entries to the exhibit and a certain percentage of the sales proceeds was allotted to the group. Since it was the group’s first exhibit, they have no buyer profile yet but they are optimistic that potential buyers may come from outside Bacolod City. A statement narrates that with the advent of social media, particularly Facebook, the founding members of the Bacolod Bonsai Society got acquainted with Bonsayista Inc., a group registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and recognized by the PBSI. Bonsayista’s Uyehara shared his knowledge of
Local Gov’t Units
bonsai culture through the Internet and reached a wide audience here and abroad. Because of this, his group attracted members in Guam, Puerto Rico and Spain, in addition to local members from Luzon, Viasayas and Mindanao. Bonsayista Inc., whose name was coined by Pedrajas, was instrumental to Bacolod Bonsai Society’s creation. Inspired by the ideals and techniques taught by Uyehara, members of Bonsayista based in Bacolod came together and formed the core group. The core group invited all known bonsai artists and collectors within Bacolod City and quickly spread all over the region as far as San Carlos City. Currently, the Bacolod group has more than 50 official members. Edgardo S. Tugade
LGUs
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
FRESNEDI GIVES FREE E-JEEP RIDES TO YELLOW CARD HOLDERS By Alena Mae S. Flores MUNTINLUPA Mayor Jaime Fresnedi is treating the city’s yellow card holders to a E-Jeepney for Free program in line with its bid to be the greenest city in the country by deploying electric vehicles. With this program, Muntinlupa clinches the title “E-jeepney Capital of the Philippines,” having the most number of e-jeepneys in a city, the environment-friendly transport being promoted by both the local government and the private sector. Quiet but efficient e-jeepneys take residents from the hustle and the bustle of the city to the vast expanse and corporate ambiance of Filinvest City Alabang and to the cool and quiet surroundings of Ayala Alabang Village. The city government uses a special card reader that keeps track of the yellow card holders who use the free green public transport system. If the passenger is not a yellow card holder, all he has to do is sign a logbook and the ride is free. Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, said “it truly is a remarkable effort by the local government to introduce green transport to more commuters and gain acceptance for them. Their operations template is definitely something worth emulating by other LGUs in other parts of the country.” At the Barangay Hall in Muntinlupa are 10 yellow e-jeepneys parked on their respective charging bays in a charging station. Just right across the Barangay Hall inside the South Star Jeepney Terminal, there are two Jeepney slots allotted specifically for e-jeepneys. Two additional e-jeepneys are fielded in Ayala Alabang Village. But the biggest e-jeepney fleet in Muntinlupa is the public transport system being managed by the Electric Vehicle Expansion Enterprises Inc. inside Filinvest City Alabang. EVEEI was permitted to operate a green fleet of electric jeeps within the 240-hectare Filinvest City, the flagship real-estate development of the Filinvest Development Group.
DAVAO OPENS SWINE INSEMINATION LAB
By F. Pearl A. Gajunera
DAVAO CITY—The City Veterinarian’s Office opened its artificial insemination laboratory for swine located at the Davao City Animal Breeding Center in Malagos, Baguio District. The lab features state-of-the-art technology that helps pig farmers produce high-genetic-quality breeds. Dr. Ester Rayos, the assistant city veterinarian, said the facility was set up to boost the growth and development of pig farming in the city. “We encourage livestock farmers to avail our services so that we can help upgrade the quality of their stocks,” Rayos said. Before the establishment of the new facility, one boar semen production was only good for one sow or adult female swine. “With the technology we have now, we can extend one semen production to 10 to 15 different sows,” Rayos said. “A boar semen can be distributed to different farmers,” she added. The project is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and UNAHCO, a private firm that specializes in animal health care and sells animal products. Rayos thanked the DA and UNAHCO for helping put up the laboratory.
PAGEANT. Miss Earth 2016 candidates from Sweden, Japan, Colombia, Nigeria and Russia paid a courtesy call to Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez Wednesday. The candidates visited Yolanda sites around the city and spearheaded a tree-planting activity at the city hall grounds. Mel Caspe
SUBIC PORT TO SHIP LNG TO CHINA
By Butch Aquino
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ubic Bay Freeport—China’s leading clean energy service provider Jovo Group Company Ltd. Guangdong on Wednesday said it is ready to engage in ship-to-ship operations in Subic Bay.
Under the STS transfer operations, liquefied natural gas from the Asia Pacific will be transferred from oil tankers to smaller vessels bound to ports in China. STS brings petroleum products to China, most of whose ports cannot accommodate bulk carriers because their waters are not deep enough. In a public consultation, Jovo international business general manager Yuan Lu said the LNG will be brought to Subic Bay from Australia and Indonesia by a Belgium-flag carrier, a 94,000-ton bulk carrier. The cargo will then be transferred
at sea to a smaller 47,000-ton ships bound for China. Lu said the STS operations of Jovo in Subic will be assessed after five years, to determine if a regional hub should be established in the freeport for the delivery of LNG to the local market and the rest of Southeast Asia. He said Jovo’s long-term plan is to introduce LNG to local markets in the Philippines, especially those in the transport sector since that fuel is safe and environment-friendly. Lu said Jovo has decades of comprehensive experience in clean en-
ergy shipping, storage, processing and sales with zero accidents, and assured that LNG and the STS operation will be environmentally safe. The consultation attended by local fishermen, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and workers of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority was held at the SBMA Seaport Administration Building. “We are thankful for the invitation of SBMA headed by its new chairman Martin Diño and Jovo for this consultation for them to hear our concerns and enlighten us on this ship-to-ship operation that might affect our livelihood,” said Subic Bay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council chairman Laureano Artagame. Artagame noted that large ships oftentimes occupy the fishing areas of small fishermen in Subic Bay, but with the consultation, accidental “intrusions” can now be avoided.
Meanwhile, China Classification Society senior engineer Fan Hong Jun compared highly combustible gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas against LNG which has lesser greenhouse effects and is lighter than air, making it safer in case of spillage. With a property temperature of -162 C, LNG is hard to burn but evaporates rapidly, Fan explained, adding that if it spills into our oceans or even into our water source, it will not affect marine life, and our water remains safe to drink. “It burns slowly, and does not mix with water nor kill fish or any other marine life. LNG is very environmental friendly,” he said. Fan said the Port of Subic will earn tens of millions of pesos from services, including tug boat services, port services and anchorage. This does not include indirect revenue from payments for tugboats, chandlers, bunkering and food supplies, he added.
PAINTING
THE HUMAN FAUNA THIRTY-THREE artists from across the regions released their inner anima in a show at the Erehwon Center for the Arts in Old Balara in Quezon City. The theme of the show, “Unleash the Beast Within,” allowed the painters free scope to reconnect with their brute nature and harness its artistic potential. The exhibit was organized by Caloocan-based painter Rodrigo Aniag, who has exhibited here and abroad. Aniag told the Manila Standard that the show was a mix of old blood from the University of the East and new blood from the University of the
Philippines. The ribbon was cut by businesswoman and socialite Aida Posadas who helped set up the exhibit, he related. The participating artists decorated the venue and Aniag himself took charge of maintenance work. Of those who submitted paintings, the more familiar names are Demi Padua, Sam Penaso, Richi Yee and Aniag himself. Some of the works on display until October 29 tell a fuller story. Edgardo S. Tugade
EXHIBITORS. Emmanuel de Guzman ‘Human wheel’ / Bianca Garido ‘Villaines’ / Bianca Garrido ‘Wander Lost’ / Eddie Santillan ‘Faith’ / Jesse Esplana - Sanctuary
Gadgets & Games
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
FULLWAVE SUMMIT BOOSTS STARTUP FOLKS
Waves of attacks incapacitated a crucial piece of internet infrastructure, hampering or outright blocking access to popular online venues, including Twitter. AFP
CYBER ATTACKS CRIPPLE TWITTER, NETFLIX, OTHERS
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an Francisco—Cyber attacks pounded the underpinnings of the internet Friday, crippling Twitter, Netflix and other major websites with the help of once-dumb devices made smart with online connections. Waves of attacks incapacitated a crucial piece of internet infrastructure, hampering or outright blocking access to popular online venues. “When I see something like this, I have to think state actor,”said Carbon Black national security strategist Eric O’Neill, a former “spy hunter” on the FBI counter-intelligence force. “This is not some hacker sitting in his basement typing away on a keyboard.” The attack was said to put a troubling new spin on an old hacker attack known as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), where millions of devices in the fast-growing internet of things took part in the cyber onslaught. Armies of computers infected with malicious code are typically used in DDoS attacks intended to overwhelm targets with simultaneous online requests. Hacker software referred to as Mirai that takes control of IoT devices was evidently linked to the attack, with the broad range of devices making requests helping get past Dyn defenses. “We are seeing attacks coming from a number of different locations,” Level 3 Communications internet services company chief security officer Dale Drew said in a video posted online. “We are seeing attacks coming from an internet-of-things botnet that we identified called Mirai also involved in this attack.”
Possible probe
Heavyweight cyber attacks that seem to yield trouble but no apparent payoff could be probing defenses to refine tactics for use on high value targets such as utilities or transportation systems, according to O’Neill and other computer defense specialists. The attack could also have been meant as a message from a foreign power, cyber security analysts told AFP. The onslaught commanded the attention of top US security agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. “DHS and the FBI are aware and are investigating all potential causes” of the outages, a spokeswoman said. The outages left internet users unable to post messages, shop, watch videos and play games online for parts of the day. Dynamic Network Services Inc, which manages internet traffic, said around 1100 GMT that its infrastructure had been hit by a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attack in the eastern part of the United States. The initial attack was resolved within about two hours but the company, known as Dyn, was slammed with a second DDoS wave. DDoS attacks involve flooding websites with more traffic than they can handle, making them difficult to access or taking them offline entirely. Domain name servers are a crucial element of internet infrastructure, converting numbered Internet Protocol addresses into the domain names that allow users to connect to internet sites. The DDoS attack hit what is akin to a directory assistance service used to route online traffic to the right addresses, meaning that even though networks such as Level 3 were running normally they couldn’t be reached. A map published by the website downdetector.com showed the effect was felt across the US and into Europe. “The critical point is how fragile our internet is that these attacks can happen,” O’Neill said. AFP
LENOVO YOGA BOOK: TECH AND ART MEET LENOVO ups the ante on tablet design with the release of the Yoga Book, a thin and light 2-in-1 tablet that allows users to take notes and even sketch their own artworks using a stylus with real ink. Housed in a unique form factor that inspires creativity, the Yoga Book gives users the freedom to let their imagination roam free. “Lenovo is committed to create innovative devices that help today’s shakers and makers create better and achieve more in their daily tasks. Featuring a Halo Keyboard and Real Pen input device for taking notes, drawing, and browsing the web, the Lenovo Yoga Book is the book of today’s digitalsavvy millennial generation,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines. Equipped with a Real Pen input for note-taking, a Halo Keyboard for easy typing, and a Book UI for seamless multi-tasking, the Yoga Book distinguishes itself as a “Create Pad” that inspires imagination. The tablet uses Lenovo’s now-familiar watchband hinge to weave the touchscreen and a Wacom-powered touch-sensitive surface together. The Yoga Book’s first productivity feature is also what makes the thin and light design possible: the halo keyboard, a full touch screen backlit keyboard that weaves soft-
Lenovo Yoga Book is an open book for digital-savvy millennials who love to write and sketch
ware and hardware into one fluid interface. The touch screen is made with glass that was meticulously chosen to give a rough, matte feel and finish, along with antiglare coating to ensure the best possible touch-typing experience. The keyboard lacks any physical keys, showing up as a solid white outline on the Yoga Book’s second panel only when it’s needed. While the touch-sensitive surface acts as a keyboard with light-up keys, it also accepts input from a stylus. The Yoga Book Real Pen allows users to swap in an ink cartridge into the
included stylus and take notes on real paper. The Yoga Book will then automatically copy and digitize their notes in real time. Users can then seamlessly organize, merge, and share their notes instantly with friends or colleagues.They can even use the included Book Pad clipboard to magnetize their papers and keep them in place. Featuring two panels that open up like a book, the Yoga Book breaks
free from the conventional tablet paradigm. At 9.6 mm thick, the 690-gram
Yoga Book packs a punch in its svelte frame, allowing users to easily bring it along with them while in transit. Fully furnished with the Android Marshmallow operating system and the latest Intel Atom processor, the Yoga Book supports multi-tasking, allowing users to simultaneously work across multiple applications effectively while keeping their workflow in check. It even has a 15-hour battery life, so Yoga Book users can stay productive all day. And if users don’t feel like working, they can still enjoy world-class entertainment, thanks to the Yoga Book’s 10.1-inch IPS FHD screen, high-quality sound enhanced with Dolby Atmos®, and 64GB of memory. The Yoga Book is now available in select PC Express stores from Oct. 15 to Nov 15 at a starting price of P23,999 for Android version and P28,999 for the Windows version after which it will be available in all LES nationwide.
Featuring a thin and light design, 15-hour battery life, and a 360-degree watchband hinge, the Yoga Book offers extreme productivity in a form factor that matches the mobility of a smartphone.
FULLWAVE, a collection of millennial entrepreneurs from New York City that have successfully created companies from bootstrap to acquisition, is bringing its expertise to the Philippine technology scene through a summit that seeks to boost the startup community in the country. FullWave Tech and Startups Summit, recently hosted by Mapua Institute of Technology, serves as an avenue for entrepreneurs, investors, and developers to expand their horizons and build their network. The summit championed the idea of breaking free from the traditional structures of building a startup business, encouraging millennials to seek out opportunities wherever possible. Ace Velarde of STW believes that the summit will help young Filipinos explore their potential and gain insight on tech entrepreneurship, as high-calibre influencers and business owners from New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Philippines among others, come together to shape the Philippine tech startup landscape. With three simultaneous events, Rising Tide Expo of various tech startup companies, a multi-day Amped hackathon competition of developers and tech enthusiasts, and a series of techcentered seminars dubbed the Tow-In, FullWave Summit is expected to gear the local startup community towards innovation. Through panel discussions, Velarde, together with Elite Daily co-founder Jonathon Francis, Golden Gate Ventures principal Justin Hall, Sole Slam founder and CEO Antonio Aguirre, Jr., and many others, drove students andprofessionals to create a tech-based culture that will challenge the future worldwide. Participants will also have a broad overview on topics including one of the newest technology advancements called the Internet of Things, the opportunities presented by the emergence of disruptive technologies, and a host of other relevant issues regarding the development of tech startup from ideation to acquisition. “We believe that the Philippines has the talent and the tools necessary for successful entrepreneurships,” Velarde said. “We aim to spur the local tech startup community into action by having a celebration of everything tech, development, and startup-related, showcasing their potential and help cultivate their success.” One of the core objectives of FullWave is to provide platforms that initiate entrepreneurial action. Given Mapua’s vigorous efforts in equipping its students with programs centered on technology advancements, the collective saw it fit to partner with the Institute and hold the two-day event at its Intramuros campus.
Private Sector Director of the Startup Ecosystem Development Program of the Department of Trade and Industry Atty. Kristine Alcantara; STW Family of Companies Founder Ace Velarde.
Mapúa President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea; Elite Daily Co-founder Jonathan Francis; and Tech Entrepreneur Adrian Goris
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
LOVE MOTO P
romoting a product massively by hiring celebrity endorsers is just the first part of the equation. Bottom line is still the quality of the product. Moto boasts of both.
Moto surges its way into the Philippine shores, in a comeback that offers incredible gadget choices, industry-first features, and customized user experiences. Jazzing up Moto’s renaissance is the announcement of James Reid and Nadine Lustre as Moto Ambassadors. Moto recently introduced three smartphones series: The Moto Z + Moto Mods Family, Moto’s flagship series whose singular feature is its modularity; Moto G Family, which redefines user functionality; and the Moto E Power, its entry-level lineup. “Moto’s return to the Philippines solidifies Lenovo’s strong business momentum. With Lenovo’s Moto acquisition, Lenovo adds a premium smartphone portfolio that features top-tier hardware and software innovations such as the Moto Z and a customized experience with Moto Mods. With the exciting launch of the newest Moto lineup, we hope to highlight our smartphones’ sophistication, performance, and versatility through the hottest couple in entertainment, JaDine, which best exemplifies the Moto spirit with their youthful vibrance and charm,”said Dino Romano, Country Manager, Lenovo Mobile Business Group Philippines.
Moto Z: Stunning, thin, and svelte
it features a Qualcomm® Snapdragon TM 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage to address users’ memory requirements, and up to 24 hours of battery life. Pricing for Moto Z starts at Php33,999. It comes with a free Moto Style Shell so that customers can experience Moto Mods immediately.
Moto Z Play: Power on the go
Heavy smartphone users can now power through their day, and then some, on a single charge with Moto’s longest battery life ever. Packed with the same uniquie modularity features of the Moto Z, Moto Z Play ups the ante with a brilliant 5.5” 1080p Super AMOLED display, up to 50 hours of battery life, and an industryleading 16MP camera that offers laser and phase detect autofocus for capturing crystal-clear photos in any light. And with TurboPower™ charging, users can get up to 10 hours of power in just 15 minutes of charging. Pricing for Moto Z Play starts at Php22,999. It also comes with a free Moto Style Shell.
Motor G Family: A streamlined design that redefines sleekness
The fourth generation Moto G4 Plus may be 7.9 mm thin, but it is a powerCrafted from military air- house: it has a 3000 mAh battery and a craft-grade aluminum and blazing-fast Octacore processor to help stainless steel, Moto Z users handle work and recreational needs combines durabil- with ease. It even offers a vivid 5.5” Full HD display ity with a svelte build and a and a 16MP camera that takes sharebrilliant 5.5” worthy crystal clear photos. The Moto G4 Q u a d H D Plus’ large ƒ/2.0 aperture lets in more light A M O L E D and allows users to take beautiful photos display. At even when it’s cloudy. Offering advanced 5 . 2 m m , color balancing features, the dual LED the smart- flash automatically makes adjustments so p h o n e photos display natural-looking skin tones p a c k s a and consistent colors. And for those who punch: love to take groufies, the wide angle lens on the 5 MP selfie cam makes it easy to fit everyone in the picture. Its exclusive camera software also allows users to adjust professional settings such as ISO and aperture so they always come up with great photos. The Moto G4 Plus retails at Php13,999. The Moto G4 Play is free and exclusive at Smart SurfPlus Plan 999, while the Moto G Turbo Edition is free and exclusive at Globe MyLifeStyle Plan 799.
Moto E Power: More than what meets the eye
Designed to keep up with today’s millennials’multi-faceted lifestyle, Moto’s entry-level smartphone Moto E Power offers a quad-core processor and 4G VoLTE capabilities, so users can seamlessly enjoy web surfing, video streaming, and updating their social media accounts. It features a 3500 mAh battery so users can watch videos, play games, and call friends & family without looking at the battery bar so often. Pricing for the Moto E Power starts at Php6,999.
iREPORT: STRAIGHT TO THE INTENDED AUDIENCE By Peter Paul Duran ALMOST everything can go viral nowadays, from Pens and Apples to, cat videos or anything in between. A share and a like can go a long way. But not all posts in social media get noticed, and with it, the chance to be heard by the intended audience, specifically the government. That’s why Cormant Technologies Inc., launched free mobile application iReport for concerned citizens to reach directly to the government. Posts in Facebook or Twitter will most likely be noticed only if it goes viral,” said Cormant Tech Enterprise Solutions Manager Alma Rivera during the mobile app’s launch at the SMX in SM Aura, Taguig. “With the use of iReport, there is no need for that to happen.Your concerns and ideas will be forwarded to the proper authorities,”added Rivera of the app which can be downloaded via Google Play or the App Store. The easy-to-access smartphone application provides an easier way of reporting issues, suggestions or commendations. Also, the reports received through the app will be forwarded to the proper government agency in near real time. Users can add photos to their incident/issue report to add credibility. In addition, the app can still be used even in offline mode, and once a connection is established, it will automatically submit the report. iReport has an easy-to-use design interface and utilizes general types of issues (e.g. traffic and transportation) in the menu, the system then determines the appropriate agency to send it to. “I would like the Filipinos to always remember the hashtag ‘#iReportNaYan’, which means you want to send a report to the government, anytime, anywhere,”said Application Manager Melvin Lopez. iReport, an internally-funded CSR project of Cormant, ‘empowers citizens to participate in policy creation’ while eliminating the arduous process of reporting an issue to the government. According to the creators, the structured reports that the government will receive will be able to monitor which issues have been addressed, and which are still pending.
Jazzing up Moto’s renaissance is the announcement of James Reid and Nadine Lustre as Moto Ambassadors, shown here holding their preferred Moto models. Cormant Solutions Manager Alma Rivera
DEVANT MANIFESTO WANTS FAMILIES TO BOND
HAVE we really become slaves to technology? Well, it depends how you see it. Although one can’t deny the addicting appeal of having and doing everything at a touch of a finger, there’s also the side of technology that offers us such amazing convenience. Technology offers everything—an avenue to shop without leaving the house, ways to share memories with loved ones living far away, easy communication, and the availability of information wherever you are. It is this convenience that Devant, aims to tap and promote by delving deep into
what matters most—one’s family. Driven by the tagline “Changing lives in a big way,” Devant hopes to instill the importance of strengthening personal ties by simply enjoying a simple habit—watching TV. Through the project 7:30 p.m. TV Get Together, Devant hopes to create moments where people can take a break from their busy schedules, and spend some quiet, quality time with people they love the most—and what better way to bond than watching your favorite shows together on Devant’s Big Screen TVs?
Through the 7:30 p.m. TV Get Together, every night becomes a bonding night when families and friends get to enjoy their favorite shows together. The experience, is of course enhanced via Devant’s Ultra HD Big Screen TV’s complemented with surround sound to make bonding nights more memorable.
The Devant Manifesto
Home entertainment is a big part of Devant’s product line-up. For the brand, a family television plays an important role and symbol of making people come together, and for them, it is a response
to neutralize and enhance the growing influence of technology. With this, Devant aims to promote the 730 PM TV G2G -- Every night at 7:30, Devant encourages everyone to spend time with the people they care about. And at the center of it all, are the convenience and quality of experience behind every Devant Big Screen TV. Because there’s no better way to connect than to relax and bond over your favorite shows with the people you love. For more about Devant and its superb products, visit http://devanttv.com.