D1
LGUs
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
BONIFACIO MONUMENT: A HISTORICAL TREASURE By Honor Blanco Cabie
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N THE 1950s to the early part of the 1960s, many northerners traveling to Manila, on a business trip or educational stopover, became all too familiar with the welcoming monument of Andres Bonifacio in Caloocan City, part of the province of Rizal until 1975. The area had in fact been known to many as Monumento, a euphemism for the 45-foot pylon and figures cast in bronze at the intersections of Samson Road, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa), heretofore known as Highway 54. The stone monument is slowly being given a facelift, in the run up to Bonifacio’s 153rd birthday anniversary on Nov. 30. Road travelers then from the Ilocos, Baguio, Cagayan Valley, the Central Luzon provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan—the last now a part of the Ilocos Region—always hit the MacArthur Highway which snakes through the country’s far northwest and were always welcomed by the Monumento. In 21st century Metro Manila, the place has become also the start of the line for the Light Railway Transit (LRT) that begins at the Monumento Station on the north end of Edsa and leads all the way up to the Baclaran Station in Pasay City on the southside. With the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) now a major highway for travelers from the north since the 1960s, not as many as decades back have been given the opportunity to wake up from their speeding buses to see the silhouette of the monument of Bonifacio, the Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. Bonifacio (Nov. 30, 1863-May 10, 1897) is often called “the great plebeian,” “father of the Philippine Revolution,” and “father of the Katipunan.” He was a founder and later “supreme leader” of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. Some historians consider him a de facto national hero of the Philippines, colonized by Spain for nearly 400 years while others describe him as the first President, although he is not officially recognized as such. The expressway begins in Quezon City, formerly the country’s capital, at a cloverleaf interchange with EDSA: a continuation of the Andres Bonifacio Avenue. It then passes through Quezon City, Caloocan, and Valenzuela in Metro Manila. Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel, and Pulilan in Bulacan, San Simon, San Fernando, Mexico and Angeles in Pampanga. The expressway currently ends at Mabalacat and merges with the MacArthur Highway, which continues northward into the rest of rice-rich Central and Northern Luzon facing Luzon Bay. Some critics find it ironic the monument of Bonifacio in Caloocan is better known than the one in Tondo, his birthplace— in front of Tutuban Center mall on C.M. Recto Avenue or the old Azcarraga in the waterfront district of Manila. Bonifacio is depicted in the usual—but false—bolo and trousers outfit, with historical critics suggesting Bonifacio was not stupid enough to wear red trousers and be an easy target of his Spanish enemies. Students of history have learned for decades the Caloocan City “Monumento”—now a major landmark of the city—was designed and completed in 1933 by the country’s National Artist for the Visual Arts (Sculpture) in 1973, Guillermo Estrella Tolentino. Turn to D2
PARAMOUNT LEADER.
Historical critics say the three steps leading to the monument of Katipunan’s supreme leader Andres Bonifacio represent the three centuries of Spanish rule (333 years). The monument is getting a facelift in preparation for his 153rd birth anniversary on Nov. 30. Manny Palmero
FREE SKILLS TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR DRUG SURRENDERERS BAGUIO CITY—The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) announced its readiness to provide free skills training of their choice to fully rehabilitated drug surrenderers for them to be able to have a sustainable source of income and for them to be brought back to the mainstream society. Tesda Director-General Guiling Mamondiong said coordination had been done with the health department and the social welfare offices on how to implement the system that would guarantee the provision of skills training to the interested surrenderers. These surrenderers are expected to want to equip themselves to help uplift the living condition of their families. He said: “We are ready to provide
the desired skills training to our drug surrenderers but they must be fully rehabilitated so that it will be easier for them to be brought back to mainstream society. “We have the available slots for interested drug surrenderers because it is part of our functions to help bring back the vibrance of the surrenderers by being productive in their chosen fields of profession in the future.” The TESDA official claimed the agency will also be providing the surenderers the appropriate career coaching. This is intended to guide them in the election of the skills training they want to be enrolled in to allow them to pursue a certain field that will serve as their source of income for their respective families and for them to be able to em-
brace a sudden reversal in their lives. According to him, barangay officials must strictly monitor the compliance of the surrenderers to their commitments to already abandon their involvement in the illegal drug trade and support them in their desire to acquire the needed skills. The skills are expected to help them advance the source of their livelihood and guarantee sustainable income for their families. He added one of the primary conditions imposed by the agency before providing the drug surrenderers with their desired skills training was for them to be able to present a certification from the accredited health official that they had been fully rehabilitated. Another condition was that they were fit to undergo the training as
they wanted to have a paradigm shift in their lives. After having completed their chosen skills training, the trained drug surrenderers will then be required to undergo the required assessment for them to be issued a national certification for their acquired competency. He explained provincial and regional Tesda offices were authorized to facilitate the conduct of free skills trainings to interested and fully rehabilitated drug surrenderers. He claimed the Duterte administration was aggressive in the implementation of its anti-drug campaign but it also wanted those involved in the illegal drug trade to reform and become productive citizens of their communities. Dexter A. See
Local Gov’t Units
CAPITOL’S ‘DESECRATION’ DENOUNCED MALOLOS CITY—Bulakenyo architects and artists here are up in arms against what they call as ‘desecration’ of the facade of the Bulacan Capitol building, a legacy and obra designed in 1930 by the renowned Filipino National Architect Juan M. Arellano (April 25, 1888–Dec. 5, 1960). Members of the Bulacan Heritage Conservation Society and five local chapters of the United Architect of the Philippines chapters in Bulacan are also calling for an immediate inquiry on why Gov. Willy Sy-Alvarado allowed the construction of an additional pediment on top of the main facade. Leaders of visual artists in the province are set to meet next month with concerned officers of the UAP-Bulacan chapter, Barasoain chapter, Bulacan-Del Pilar chapter, the Sta. Maria chapter and Malolos Republika chapter to plan their joint move on how to air their protest on the issue. Arellano was best known for his neo-classical works such as the Metropolitan Theater in Manila (1935); the Legislative Building (1926 now the National Museum); Manila Central Post Office building (1926); the Central Student Church (now known as the Central United Methodist Church, 1932); the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol (1936); the Cebu Provincial Capitol (1937); the Bank of the Philippine Islands Cebu Main Branch (1940); Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol Building (1935) and the Jones Bridge among others. Arellano graduated from Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1908 and was into painting early in his life. However, he pursued architecture and was sent to the US as one of the first pensionados in architecture, after Carlos Barreto, who was sent to the Drexel Institute in 1908; Antonio Toledo, who went to Ohio State University and Tomas Mapua, who went to Cornell. He then studied at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1911 and later transferred to Drexel Institute to finish his degree in Architecture. He also trained in the Beaux Arts in New York City. Orlan Mauricio
SEAMAN HELD FOR DRUG PUSH
KAWIT, CAVITE—Police in this town, shifting to high gear in their operation against illegal drugs in their area, have arrested a seamen for alleged drug pushing. PO1 Joneth Atienza Onrubia identified the suspect as Frederick Octavo, 44 years old, a married seaman and resident of Barangay Tabon 3 here. Police said they received a phone call from an informant that rampant drug selling was going on the house of one merely identified as Japlin. Police led by SPO1 Jaspher Paul Aspiras dashed to the area, resulting in the arrest of Octavo, from whose possession police said five unsealed transparent plastic sachets. The sachets contained white crystalline residue suspected to be shabu and an improvised glass tube tooter containing suspected shabu residue. Benjamin Chavez
LGUs
D2
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
FISHERS’ HUB UP IN CAVITE
NOVELETA, CAVITE—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 4-A, led by Regional Director Lilian Garcia, released funds for building of Fisherman’s Wharf or (Pandawan) in Barangay San Rafael IV. Mayor Dino Reyes Chua received the budget worth P5.16 million from BFAR-R4-A reserved for the construction of fisherman’s hub. The building will be built for the fishermen or namamalakaya, particularly in Barangay San Rafael where most inhabitants were fishermen and dried fish makers. “The fisherman’s hub is for our fellow fishermen, so that they don’t go to neighboring town to peddle their fish catch or seafood,” said Chua. “The soon to rise Noveleta fishport is closer to the market, wherein placed nearby the national road. Sigurado ako maraming mamimili ng isda ang darayo dito upang mamili ng nasabing produkto.” Chua added. Fisherman’s wharf is known as the ‘Bulungan’ center of fishermen, like Navotas fishport, Parañaque fishport and Rosario fishport.
COMMUNICATION PLAN. Public Information officers of Metro Manila LGUs take a breathing spell during their three-day communication planning seminar-workshop ending Friday at the Hotel Stotsenberg at the Clark Freeport Zone. In photo are (front row, from left) Engineer Kristina Tomagan (DPWH-NCR); Professor Daniel Santos (resource person); DENR-NCR Director Lourdes Wagan; PIA-NCR Director Riza Baldoria; Grace Cortes, Chief PIO of San Juan, also current AIMM president, and Emver Cortes (PIA-NCR). Second Row (l-r) Susan de Leon (PIA-NCR); Mary Rose Bernadette Mabato (DILG-NCR); Cresta Oliva (San Juan); Myrna Lansangan (LWUA); Melody Deray (Makati); Ares Gutierrez (Quezon City); Grace de Polonia (PCUP); Ma. Aloha Irish Cubillan (Navotas) and Rebecca de Vera (MWSS). (Third row, from left) Nolan Sison (Caloocan City); Angelito Laparan (Taguig City); Dominic Piao (Malabon City); and Cesar Martin Jr. (Mandaluyong City).
BONIFACIO...
From D1
Historical critics say the three steps leading to the monument represents the three centuries of Spanish rule (333 years). The octagonal base with the eight rays of the sun from the Philippine flag symbolizes the eight key provinces (as written on the surrounding pavement) where Martial Law was first declared by the Spanish governor-general. It was also the place when the Katipunan held major uprisings there against the Spanish authorities—the very location of the monument actually depicting the place of the first such encounter by Bonifacio and the Katipunan with the Spanish colonial army on Aug. 30, 1896. Some historians theorize the Bonifacio Monument must have been placed in Caloocan—the third most populous city in the country with a population of nearly 1.5 million, according to the 2010 census—because the area was the center of activities for the Katipunan, the secret militant society that launched the Philippine Revolution during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. They say it was in a house in Caloocan where secret meetings were held by Bonifacio and his men, and it was within the city’s perimeters where the very first armed encounter took place between the Katipunan and the Spaniards. Today, Caloocan, one of the cities and municipalities that comprise the Metro Manila region (National Capital Region) in the Philippines, has become a major residential area inside Metro Manila. The word Caloocan comes from the Tagalog root word “lo-ok;” “kalooklookan” (or kaloob-looban) means “innermost area.” The city borders many other cities such as Quezon City, Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and San Jose del Monte Bulacan in the north. On the wall of Pamitinan Cave in Rodriguez, Rizal, where a reburial of his bones was done years back, was the line Bonifacio wrote in May 1896: “Sumapit dito ang mga anak ng bayan. Humahanap ng kalayaan.” [The sons of the Country came here, searching for freedom.”] Historians say that when the Katipuneros launched the revolution on Aug. 24, 1896, Bonifacio said to his fellow Katipuneros: “Kalayaan o kamatayan? Mga kapatid! Ang Kalayaan ay kinukuha sa dulo ng patalim! [Freedom or Death? Brothers, freedom is secured by force!”] But enemies of the revolution denied Bonifacio the opportunity to fulfill his vision for the country. They killed him in early 1897. A few years after his death, his kin and friends began to honor Bonifacio and observed his death anniversary on April 23, 1901, at his birthplace in Meisic, Tondo, Manila. On this occasion, the poet laureate Cecilio Apostol delivered his poem “Un Heroe del Pueblo,” extolling Bonifacio as one of the true heroes of the Filipino people. This annual celebration of Bonifacio’s death anniversary was capped by the launching of a fundraising campaign to erect a monument in his honor.
120 STUDES PARTICIPATE IN RECYCLED ART CONTEST
By Butch Aquino
S
UBIC FREEPORT—The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) and its partners, held Artcycle: an educational, environmental, and recycled-art competition.
The event was participated in by around 120 students from local elementary and high schools here held at Sitio Nagyantok in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales recently. The teams were required to bring a bag of recyclable materials,
which they used to create art pieces. Each team was given 60 minutes to assemble their Artcycle masterpieces after a brief lecture. “We believe this activity is a great venue not only to teach our youth about caring for the environment but also to encourage their
creativity and resourcefulness in solving problems,” said Jason Gavina, RP Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility officer. Edmond de Jesus from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Ecology Center emphasized the need for young people to become environmental stewards. He urged the students to “use their natural creativity in coming up with artcycle masterpieces from local materials.” RP Energy’s Multipartite Monitoring Team Members served as judges of the contest. The artworks were judged based on functionality, creative use of
materials, replicability, and design. The students from Cawag High School won first place with their yellow chair made from old tires. Olongapo City Environment and Natural Resource officer Marife Castillo, one of the judges, commented on the winning artcycle: “This is ingenious. We are very happy to see this because old tires are something that are usually hard to recycle. I am happy to see young people solving this problem.” The contest was supported by the DENR, SBMA Ecology Center, Barangay Cawag, Subic Municipal LGU, Rotaract Club of Kolehiyo ng Subic, and Umicore.
CEBU SEAPORT GROOMED PART OF NAUTICAL HIGHWAY
ENVIRONMENT ADVOCACY. Crina Stinca of Romania, accompanied by other Miss Earth candidates, plants mangrove seedlings in Barangay San Rafael IV in Cavite as part of the candidates’ advocacy on preserving the environment. The coronation will be at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City tonight.
THE Cebu seaport in San Fernando town is being groomed as part of a new nautical highway route directly connecting Batangas in Luzon and Misamis Oriental in Mindanao via Mindoro Oriental, Aklan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol and Camiguin, House Deputy Majority Leader and Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. said. “The San Fernando Port in Cebu is getting P358 million in fresh funding to complete the central backbone of roll-on and roll-off ferry services,” Gullas said. The lawmaker said the new money had been included in the House-approved 2017 General Appropriations Act, and the port development project would be handled by the Cebu Port Authority, which is attached to the Department of Transportation. “The San Fernando Port in Barangay South Poblacion will soon be able to efficiently receive and dispatch RORO ferry services,” Gullas said. Located 30 kilometers south of Cebu City, San Fernando is part of the congressional district of Gullas. The new nautical highway path will pass by ports in Batangas City in Batangas; Calapan City and the Municipality of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; the Municipality of Malay in Aklan; the Municipality of Dumangas in Iloilo; Bacolod City and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; and then through docks in Toledo City and San Fernando
in Cebu. From San Fernando, the maritime highway will go through piers in the Municipalities of Tubigon and Jagna in Bohol; the Municipalities of Mambajao and Mahinog in Camiguin; and then finally stop at harbors in the Municipality of Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental. “The new route is expected to cut in a big way travel time by land and sea from Southern Luzon to Northern Mindanao,” Gullas said. In his district, Gullas said he is counting on the upgrade of the San Fernando Port as nautical highway hub to boost economic activity as well as livelihood opportunities, particularly for lowincome families. The 919-km nautical highway is a network of roads and port terminals developed by the national government to speed up the countrywide inter-island transfer of motor vehicles, passengers and goods using RORO boats. Passenger bus companies and logistics providers now efficiently move people and products via the nautical highway. Meanwhile, Gullas said the Philippine Ports Authority is spending another P50 million next year to build a shelter port in the Municipality of Inabanga in Bohol, plus P40 million to repair the causeway of a port in the Municipality of Buenavista, also in Bohol, damaged by the 2013 earthquake.
Gadgets & Games
D3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
NBA.COM GETS NEW HOME
Microsoft Corporate VP of Devices Panos Panay, talks about Microsoft Surface Book i7 at a Microsoft news conference in New York. AFP
MICROSOFT AIMS AT APPLE WITH HIGH-END PCs, 3D WARE
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EW YORK —Microsoft launched a new consumer offensive Wednesday, unveiling a high-end computer that challenges the Apple iMac along with an updated Windows operating system that showcases three-dimensional content and “mixed reality.” The US tech giant announced its first desktop computer, called Surface Studio, a $3,000 high-end “all-in-one” device that aims at creative professionals, a segment dominated by Apple. “We’re creating a new category that transforms your desk into a creative studio,” Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said at the unveiling in New York. With a large, 28-inch (71-centimeter) hinged touchscreen display touted as “the thinnest desktop monitor ever created,” Surface Studio adds to the Microsoft lineup of tablet and laptop devices for the premium segment. “It is a new class of device that transforms from a desktop PC into a powerful digital canvas, unlocking a more natural and immersive way to create on the thinnest display ever built,” said Microsoft vice president Terry Myerson, The new PC has an ultra-HD 4.5K display, offering more pixels than most new high-definition televisions. It will be available in “limited quantities”for the upcoming holiday season, with more units available in 2017. The new device drew a mixed response from analysts. “Yes, this is very cool. But what’s the market for a $3,000 computer you can draw on? How many people have that job?” asked Benedict Evans of the venture firm Andreessen Horowitz in a tweet.
But Avi Greengart at the research firm Current Analysis said the new Microsoft products“are aimed at setting the high mark for the Windows ecosystem.” Microsoft also announced an updated Surface Book—its high-end convertible tablet-computer—which will sell for $2,400, adding improved graphics and computing power and with an estimated 16 hours of battery life. “It’s for the people really pushing performance,” Microsoft vice president Panos Panay said. The Surface devices allow users to create content onscreen with a special pen-stylus, and Microsoft introduced a new disk device called Dial which attaches to the screen and offers additional controls such as viewing the timeline of a creation.
New ways to create
Microsoft meanwhile announced its Windows 10 Creators operating system would be offered as a free update in early 2017, enabling users to create 3D content and delve into virtual and augmented reality. The update offers “new ways to create and play,” said Myerson. The update will allow for a 3D capture application for mobile devices and a new version of the popular program Paint for 3D objects. The system will allow users to add three-dimensional emojis and to create and manipulate content they create or scan. Microsoft general manager Megan Saunders demonstrated how the capture application can scan a sand castle in three dimensions, and then mix that with other content. With the new Windows system, users will be able to experience virtual reality with Microsoft’s HoloLens headgear and its Edge browser. Edge “will act as the portal to display 3D content on HoloLens,” said Saunders. Microsoft said its hardware partners would be selling Windowscompatible virtual reality gear starting at about $300. AFP
FLASH ROLLS OUT FLAGSHIP PHONE SMARTPHONES have evolved as one of the most indispensable innovations of digitalization. Over the years, it has revolutionized the way people live given its evolving capabilities in enabling how people live, play and work. However, as the demand for these gadgets continues to grow, experts say that nowadays, smartphone users consider buying devices that are long-lasting. In a recent survey, global environmental organization, Greenpeace Philippines, noted that nine out of 10 Filipinos believe that the durability is an important aspect they look for in smartphones. Also, 98 percent of the 1,000 respondents also consider battery life of smartphones as another important feature. In response to this demand, Flash Philippines— one of Asia’s rising developers of lifestyle and smart devices—rolls out its flagship phone, the Flash Plus 2, with superior and highly durable built-in features valued at the lowest price of P6,190. “Flash Plus 2 received positive reviews from its users as we first introduced it in the country earlier this year. This model is developed to bring out superior functions while giving a more efficient and durable smartphone unit for the users,” said Sheree Gayas, Flash Philippines’ marketing manager. Among the pioneering features of Flash Plus 2 include its sleek metal case, a fast-charging battery, fingerprint recognition, high definition phone camera, and Hi-Fi audio capacity. These attributes allow for more durability, efficiency, and convenience.
kinds of metal polishing processes. The case’s sides are treated with Bead Blasting textures, allowing for a stylish side view. Meanwhile, the back panel is treated with high density hairline metal drawing processes for excellent grip and added protection against scratching.
time for a 50 percent battery level. However, when fully charged, this phone guarantees a reliable capacity that lasts up to 10 hours of continuous calls. The smartphone also highlights its Helio P10 processor, which ensures low energy consumption while providing high performance. This feature, hence, allows for maximizing entertainment needs without worrying about speedy battery drain.
Next-gen security feature
When it comes to security, Flash Plus 2 integrates a next-generation front-facing fingerprint module. This feature allows the user optimum convenience in phone unlocking because of a 3600 accuracy level that responds in half a second. It can also safeguard all the apps and private folders by assigning specific fingerprint or mark to access them. For instance, the user can assign his thumb to open Facebook, index finger to send an e-mail, among others.
High definition phone camera
In keeping with the superior photography DNA of all Flash products, Flash Plus 2 gives better images through its built-in high definition camera with a 13-megapixel rear lens. It also adopts PDAF and contrast focusing features, which allows the user to capture fleeting moments with its 0.1 second focal The Flash Plus 2 boasts of superior and highly alignment capability. durable built-in features. The camera phone also has built-in rear dual color flash lamp, RealTone, and front LED flash High performance with Color Rendering Index that make shooting and fast-charging battery clear images even under dim light. These specs Flash Plus 2 is equipped with fast charging bat- can also produce as many as 64 different lighting Sleek and durable metal case Flash Plus 2 is made more durable with its alu- tery technologies—TI BQ25896 chip and 9V/1.67A combinations that produce much more vivid and minum case, which is crafted employing several battery—to achieve a mere 30-minute charging natural color images.
THE National Basketball Association and ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment organization and an official NBA broadcaster in the Philippines, today announced a partnership to operate the NBA.com/Philippines, the NBA’s official digital destination in the country. The online destination, hosted on the ABS-CBN Sports portal (sports.abscbn.com/nba), will provide Filipino fans access to daily video highlights, game recaps, scores, stats and more. The mobile optimized digital destination will also provide localized content including analysis by local celebrities and sports personalities aswell as special features focusing on the NBA’s influence on the Philippine’s lifestyle and culture. “ABS-CBN Corporation is the ideal partner to help grow our digital presence in the Philippines,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson. “NBA.com/Philippines reflects our commitment to engaging our passionate fanbase through digital and mobile with relevant stories and localized content, ensuring that basketball fans across the country will stay up-to-date on all things NBA.” “The partnership between ABS-CBN and the NBA to manage NBA.com/ Philippines deepens the relationship between our two organizations in the promotion of the NBA brand,” said ABSCBN Chief Digital Officer Donald Lim. “Filipinos are avid followers of the NBA, and we believe that the newly designed digital destination will bring the best of the league to our kapamilyas in the Philippines.” “As a free to air broadcast partner of the NBA, ABS-CBN continues to deliver quality execution for NBA properties to strengthen the brand’s affinity with basketball-loving Filipinos,” said ABSCBN Integrated Sports Head Dino Laurena. “The digital platform plays a key role in engaging the new generation of NBA followers, and we look forward to this opportunity to synergize both the TV and digital executions.”
HOW...
From D4
Talk to your service provider If none of these remedies work, call your internet service provider to help fix the problem. They may also give you some options like upgrading your data plan either for free or for an added small amount. If it is not within your convenience anymore, then you probably need to start looking for a new provider. However, before changing to another data plan, you should note that ISPs differ depending on the lines that they use. Domestic subscriber lines, for instance, use conventional telephone lines to transmit their broadband signals. Some providers, on the other hand, utilize fiber optic cables. Converge ICT uses the latest microtrenching technology to deploy the pure fiber cables beneath the ground to deliver faster broadband connectivity. A provider of world-class ICT products and services in the country, ICT now offers an array of pure fiber-powered internet packages suited to your needs for more reliable and high-speed internet experience. For more details, please visit the website at http://www.convergeict. com/about.php.
INTELLIGENT...
From D4
get rid of its outdated hardware and utilize the technology of the“smart age.” Among various Filipino tech companies, Accent Micro Technologies, Inc. has formed a dedicated group, the Advanced Premises Protection System, or APPS, to deliver advanced and intelligent surveillance solution. The APPS is composed of experienced professionals who worked with leading hardware surveillance and video software and analytics companies. Its holistic problem-solvinwwg approach integrates command and control, monitoring, and emergency response and dispatch. With capabilities like this, the seemingly insurmountable problems we face in the city could potentially be decreased radically, if not eradicated completely.
D4
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
Gadget & Games
LIGHTING UP YOUR SELFIES WITH VIVO
T
OP 5 global smartphone brand Vivo introduces another companion for young Filipinos who love to express themselves with the Vivo Y55 smartphone.
The Vivo Y55 promises to “light up your selfies” with its Smart Screen Flash and highquality front-facing camera that elevates your selfie game. “Young Filipinos nowadays are not afraid of expressing their feelings and sharing it with their friends. We see how frequently they share stories online and offline, and they often use their smartphones to document their daily lives. With the Vivo Y55, we kept that behaviour in mind, and made sure that we deliver a device that not only keeps up with their multi-tasking demands, but also provides useful features that help them elevate their selfie experience,” said Hazel Bascon, Vivo Philippines Vice President. The Vivo Y55 features a 5.2-inch, 1280x720pixel display on an ultra-slim unibody design. It is the first entry-level Vivo smartphone to be powered by an octa-core processor—a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 running at 1.4GHz, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. Its main camera is rated at 8MP, and can take photos and scale it up to 32MP in Ultra HD mode, while its front-facing camera snaps photos at 5MP, assisted with its Smart Screen Flash technology. The Y55
is powered by a 2,650mAh battery, ensuring longer staying power for extended storytelling on social media. The Y55 is also Vivo’s first smartphone to come with the new version of Funtouch OS 2.6, based on Android’s Marshmallow operating system. This brings a host of new and improved features, such as Smart Split 2.0, Eye Protection Mode, and improved memory management, among others. “The Vivo Y55 is a testament to Vivo’s dedication in developing high-quality products that embody the brand’s values. It seamlessly integrates top-quality hardware with highly-optimized software, giving users a more premium experience that adds value to the product. The Vivo Y55, along with Vivo’s new Funtouch OS 2.6, is only the beginning, and Filipino consumers can look forward to more exciting products that can give them more value for their money,” concluded Bascon. The Vivo Y55 is now available in major retailers and at the Vivo Concept Store and will retail for P7,990.
Vivo Philippines Product Manager Mark Cuevas presents the new features of the Vivo Y55 smartphone to technology media. At right, a model showcases the Vivo Y55 smartphone during its launch event.
INTELLIGENT VIDEO SURVEILLANCE: ANSWER TO PH’S TRAFFIC, CRIME WOES? WHAT do you get when you put the age-old problems of traffic and crime into the new age of technology? Three hours stuck in EDSA and a snatched mobile phone. In the era of technology, age-old issues now have new-age repercussions. As our resources evolve, so do the problems that come with them. Crime and traffic in the 21st century beckon a much-needed update in our outmoded procedures. Ranked as having one of the worst traffics on Earth and one of the highest crime rates in Asia, Metro Manila has become a melting pot of problems. However, one answer to Metro Manila’s woes is actually quite simple: Intelligent Video Surveillance. A timely innovation in surveillance and security, IVS combines the adapt-
ability and scrutiny of smart systems and Artificial Intelligence while improving the classic components of CCTV. Through better video resolution and integrated software analytics, the IVS can scan all the elements of a live video stream, differentiate and recognize various objects, detect specific movement, and adapt to track suspicious or familiar instances.
and retain the data. This means that people no longer have to scour through hours of footage for video evidence, and security is tightened because surveillance is no longer reliant on
cidents or congestion) more quickly as the system works in real-time and detects the specific location and time of each occurrence. On top of that, analysts can find what the com-
Confounding traffic vs intelligent video
In its core, IVS can detect the instances, compile them, and lay them all out for perusal. This lets operators use it for every process of evaluating problems and finding solutions. For example, if an accident occurs in EDSA and it causes a pile-up, the video system will immediately recognize this information,
If an accident occurs in Edsa and it causes a pile-up, the video system will immediately recognize this information. mmda.gov.ph
a surveyor’s attention span or devotion to detail. With live data analysis, traffic enforcers will be able to handle situations (like ac-
mon causes of traffic are because of the intelligent video solutions that IVS promises. Through layered data security, this informa-
tion is protected with strict access parameters. If Metro Manila employs this system, the entire system of traffic enforcement could be sped up and a much-needed decrease in road rage would follow after. Having an effective eye on the road can also instill road discipline because it effectively captures swerving, illegal parking, accidents, illegal turns and other road violations that aggravate the traffic situation. The same system could be utilized for the no-contact apprehension policy of the Land Transportation Office.
Catching crime intelligently
to more violent crimes). IVS processes visual data and can eventually distinguish humans from other objects. More accurate than the human eye, the intelligent video scans the entire scope of the camera and detects any minimal movement and change in scenery or objects. On top of that, it updates information as it sees it. This paves the way for a safer and more effective surveillance tool that cannot be deceived by simple camouflage techniques or even unrelated instances like a stray cat running across the sidewalk.
HOW TO DEAL WITH SLOW INTERNET WITH the existence of many internet service providers in the country, you would think that sluggish internet speeds are a thing of the past. However, what many don’t realize is that there are several factors that affect internet speed. A number of which, are out of your internet provider’s control. To understand what these variables are, you may need to brush up your knowledge on what these factors are and how you can address them. Check your hardware Start by tweaking your modem. Sometimes, resetting it to its factory setting may help to speed up your internet. Simply press the button located at its back. After releasing the button, you need to wait for the lights on the modem to flicker for about ten to 15 seconds. Then, wait for about three to five minutes until the red light turns into green. Lastly, try connecting to the internet. An icon usually appears, asking for account related information to complete the process. If you are still experiencing problems with its performance, your modem may need to be upgraded. After fixing your modem, check the performance of your computer. If some of its parts are already outdated, it may not keep up with the speeds offered by your provider. Upgrade your browser As you surf the net, loading speeds of web pages vary depending on the web browser that you are using. A browser is a software application that locates and displays web pages on the world wide web. Keep in mind that outdated versions load slower than the updated ones because most of the web contents like photos, videos, and texts rapidly change formats and sizes as well. For example, Internet Explorer, the standard browser in windows PC, has already been upgraded seven times. However, while IE is a good browser, there are also other options to choose from. Mozilla Firefox, for instance, is suited when you are using a desktop computer. On the other hand, simpler browsers like Google Chrome and Opera are best used if you are after the browsing speed. Prevent unauthorized access If you are using wireless internet connection, it is practical to secure a password or passcode to prevent unauthorized users. You do not want your whole neighborhood to consume all the available bandwidth of your plan. Remember that if many users share your bandwidth, the capacity to send the data you need for your browsing is reduced. Quit background applications Background applications like Windows Update, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Adobe Reader, and other similar software consume your bandwidth without you knowing it. They automatically update and launch as soon as your computer starts up and connects to the internet. While it is ideal to update regularly, these apps also consume a great portion of your bandwidth. You may be able to control these apps from running discreetly by configuring their settings using the task manager. For apple users, simply manage them through the dock or through the activity monitor, a task manager that reveals all the active and inactive applications. Turn to D3
Metro Manila’s
Besides violent bouts surveillance overhaul due to traffic woes, the With the growing traffic biggest crime problems in problems of the city and Metro Manila include theft, its ever-present crimes, it’s kidnapping, and harboring time for Metro Manila to Turn to D3 illegal weaponry (leading
Sluggish internet speeds are not a thing of the past.