Ms sect d 20170423 sunday

D1

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs

Local Gov’t Units

mslocalgov@gmail.com

CAPISSAAN: VIZCAYA’S WORLD-CLASS CAVE SYSTEM

By Ben Moses Ebreo

Scan this icon to view the PDF

SUNKEN CEMETERY.

A banca loaded with tourists uses a zipline to lead it straight to the cross that marks the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin, one of the island-province’s many attractions. It’s a popular snorkeling spot for local and foreign visitors alike. Lance Baconguis

CAMIGUIN: A ‘TINY DOT’ PACKED WITH POTENTIAL

By Lance Baconguis

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY —Camiguin Island, the country’s second-smallest province, may just be a tiny dot on the map, but this island is packed with adventure ecotourism that has made it the fifth-most visited province in the Philippines.

Five hours away from Northern Mindanao’s capital of Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin is the getaway capital of the region, and has drawn 578,364 tourists in 2015 and 629,613 in 2016.

In 2014, at least 300,000 tourists visited the province, Department of Tourism records show.

Camiguin, with a circumferential road of just 64 kilometers, offers a lot of ecotourism sites— from the ice-cold spring of Santo Niño and the Bura Natural Soda Spring in Catarman town to the still-undeveloped Macao Spring in Mambajao town and the hot water of Ardent Spring.

The island sits under the shadow of four volcanoes, which heats the water to its springs.

Travelers on a budget can find decent accommodations in Mambajao, the capital of the island province.

Mambajao Mayor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said they are expanding the town’s available rooms to accommodate the rising influx of tourists.

The provincial government is continuing its

investments on infrastructures to tourism sites, opening new routes and roads that lead to tourist destinations.

What is striking about Camiguin’s tourism approach is that it is practically communitymanaged, in that the communities participate in almost every aspect of the tourism activities.

“We let people take ownership of the tourism sites, providing services directly to the tourists with much autonomy,” Romualdo added.

For instance, the pump boat terminals going to White Island, the famous mile-long sandbar 10 minutes away from Mambajao, and the Mantigue Island pump boat terminal in Mahinog, are managed by their residents. The communities also rent out snorkeling gear to visitors.

“The local government only collects environmental fees, which is very affordable,” Romualdo said.

Diving rates are regulated, so are motorcycle and other vehicles, so pump boats are offered with the same rental rates.

At the Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, locals like Carl Michael Naluan have learned to how to take creative pictures for the tourists.

He learned by observing other photographers. “What we offer is that we take pictures using our guest’s camera or cellphones, and we direct them so they can have the most memorable photos here,” Naluan said.

Tourists can pay them “for whatever amount they want,” Naluan added. They can also serve as snorkeling guides for tourist to see the cemetery below the waters. Bancas are also available for tourists to rent so they can go to the cross.

At the entrance of the Sunken Cemetery, other young people are involved in creating

and selling crafts for souvenirs.

“We want to diversify our tourism portfolio by providing new avenues, activities for tourists to come and enjoy,” Mayor Romualdo said.

Part of that is the new night observatory on top of Mount Hibok-hibok, which has telescopes installed that tourists can view the night sky with, without much of the light “pollution” experienced in the city.

Camping at the Night Sky Observatory is now open for tourists, while guided night tours are done on weekends.

The island can now also host sporting events, as it has fully completed its sports center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, football field, track oval, tennis courts. A gymnasium will be built within the year.

Mayor Romualdo said part of the program is creating new tourism products to make their local industry competitive with other regional tourism destinations.

Camiguin Island’s bed capacity is roughly 2,000, and to cater to more tourists, the provincial government has initiated a Home Stay program that would initially benefit 100 homes.

“What we have done is identify, capacitate, trained homeowners to accept tourists to augment our bed capacity. That way, tourists can have a direct connection and impact on the local economy,” Romualdo said.

Camiguin Gov. Maria Luisa Romualdo said such preparation needs the cooperation of residents to open their homes to tourists, as this will enhance their income.

“Home stay programs are very popular in other tourist destinations, so why not introduce it here, it can surely help the people,” she said.

TRAVEL AGENCIES GROUP SEES STRONG TOURISM POTENTIAL IN CATANDUANES

PTAA vice president for inbound Danilo Cerdeña (third from left) stands with Catanduanes Provincial Board Member and SP Committee Chairman on Tourism Vincent Villaluna (second from left) during the association’s familiarization tour of the province. Joining them were PTAA assistant treasurer Jhaytee Wong (right) and Provincial Tourism Officer Carmel Garcia (left).

THE Philippine Travel Agencies Association is projecting the province of Catanduanes to become a major tourism destination in the country in the next two years.

PTAA vice president for inbound Danilo Cerdeña said they will work closely with the local government units and the Department of Tourism to drum up tourism in the province.

“It is largely an untapped tourism destination. Travelers are hesitant to visit the province because it has the reputation of being the entry point of typhoons into the country. But during our familiarization tour, we have seen

the vast potential of Catanduanes,” Cerdeña said.

“What we can do initially as an association is for our members to individually promote the province to their respective markets and come out with tour packages for Catanduanes and its eco-tourism destinations,” he added.

Cerdeña said they will also invite the province LGUs and its tourism offices to its events and activities, including the annual Travel Tour Expo. They will also provide slots for the province’s tourism stakeholders to the association’s various trainings and seminars.

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya—During his childhood days, Ifugao Richie Angcuna could only wonder what lay beneath the cave in his native village of Capissaan in this town.

Little did he know the cave was home to endless wonders of nature Ifugaos and locals can be proud of.

“We only catch fruit bats a few meters inside its entrance, we did not know what really lies beyond the resting place of the bats,” said Angcuna, now a 23-year-old cave guide.

For years, the cave served as a regular place for migrant Ifugaos to catch fruit bats as a native delicacy, not knowing it has more to offer than food on their table.

The fruit bats, locally known as “Kaliputo,” acted as mere guards to keep the ordinary eye from seeing the beauty inside the caves, which is now touted as one of the world-class tourism destinations of the country, Angcuna said.

It was in the late 1990s when a group of mountaineers and spelunkers of Sang-at Salug Outdoor Club and GAIA Mountaineering Club stumbled upon its beauty while on an adventure, searching for alternative tourist attractions in the province.

Their discovery buried the setback of the province’s tourism industry after the 1990 earthquake led to the tragic demise of the Salinas Salt Springs, the once worldrenowned attraction in Bambang town that was considered one of the eight natural wonders of the world.

Its untimely death, however, led to the new life for local tourism in the Lion-Alayan cave system, which can be reached through a four- to five-hour ride from either Bambang or Solano towns.

Turn to D2

SBMA HEAD ASSURES SAFETY OF PUBLIC

By Butch Gunio SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—“Our concern here is for the good of the many. This is bigger than all of us.

This is not about Ocean Adventure. This is about Subic Bay Freeport as a whole.”

This was the statement of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Wilma Amy T. Eisma, as she assured that a commitment to peace and order is still the top priority in the Freeport following the recent incident involving top officials of the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. “There’s a lot more at the Subic Bay Freeport for everybody to appreciate and enjoy. There are lots of things to do here in Subic Bay,” Eisma said, adding that the clash between rival claimants of the Ocean Adventure property is an isolated case.

“I already endorsed to the [SBMA] Board that we have to file an action with the courts, possibly, an interpleader to ask the court to resolve this because we cannot let the Freeport suffer,” said Eisma, a lawyer by profession.

The SBMA administrator also condemned the opposing parties’ use of undue force in resolving their intra-corporate dispute, saying the actions taken by both sides “were clearly not in accordance with proper and lawful procedures that are strictly being enforced in Freeport.”

She said it is sad the image of the Freeport is being dragged down because it paints a bad picture of what Subic Bay Freeport is very well-known for—a safe tourist destination.

LGUs

D2

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PHILEX, 3 VILLAGES SIGN P83-M SDMP PACT TUBA, Benguet—Philex Mining Corp. has signed individual agreements with three of its five outlying mining communities on the implementation of social projects for this year amounting to almost P83 million.

The agreements provide for each host and neighboring barangay to field a representative as part of a team that would monitor and assess the social projects.

Represented by Roy Mangali, assistant resident manager of the miner’s gold-and-copper operations in Padcal, and the mine’s manager for Community Relations Aurora Dolipas, Philex Mining signed April 10 the memoranda of agreement with the three communities in the host mining towns of Tuba and Itogon.

Philex Mining’s Padcal mine has Tuba’s Camp 3 and Ampucao, in Itogon, for its host barangays, while its neighboring barangays consist of Camp 1 and Ansagan (both in Tuba) and Dalupirip (Itogon). These five barangays are collectively called outlying communities.

Camp 1, Camp 3, and Dalupirip signed their respective MOAs with Philex Mining, while Ampucao and Ansagan are set to sign their separate agreements with the miner later.

“Regular monitoring activities— monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual —shall be jointly conducted by the parties and corresponding reportorial requirements by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region are religiously compiled with for periodic audit purposes,” the MOA states.

Mayors Victorio Palangdan and Ignacio Rivera, representing Itogon and Tuba, respectively, the barangay chairmen present, and Remy Ortega, community affairs officer of MGB-CAR, all described Philex Mining as one of the most responsible miners in the region, citing its religious implementation of social and environmental projects and timely tax payments.

“I was the barangay captain of Camp 3 [in Tuba] for 20 years, and I witnessed how Philex Mining had been helping the communities by implementing various projects on education, health, livelihood, and public infrastructure,” Rivera said in a speech during the formal ceremonies.

The signing, held at the covered court of Camp 3 Elementary School along Kennon Road in Tuba, also marked the turnover of the recently finished projects.

Palangdan, who announced his intention to run for Benguet’s lone congressional seat in the 2019 elections, noted Philex Mining’s good governance, particularly its up-to-date payment of taxes, “which have helped tremendously in community development.”

For 2017, Philex Mining paid a total of P15.3 million in local business taxes to Itogon and Tuba. In compliance with the towns’ respective revenue codes, Tuba received almost P8 million, or 44 percent of 1 percent of Philex Mining’s gross receipts for 2016, while Itogon got P7.4 million (41.25 percent).

Dolipas earlier said P82.9 million had been set aside by Philex Mining for its 2017 Social Development and Management Program for the five barangays.

The amount has ballooned to P110.5 million to include the P16.6 million intended for the Information, Education, and Communications campaign, and P11 million dedicated to the Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences program. Dexter A. See

DOT TO PROMOTE INDIGENOUS TOURISM IN MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

By Dexter A. See

B

ONTOC, Mountain Province —Tourism Undersecretary Falconi Millar assured the people of this province that the Department of Tourism will help in aggressively promoting Mountain Province as one of the preferred destinations for cultural tourism, in recognition of its rich culture, traditions, and heritage that were preserved over the past several decades.

Millar, who was given the name “Farnatan” or “team leader” when he was named an adopted son of the province, said scenic tourist spots and low-cost leisure experiences are not sufficient to attract local and foreign visitors. What is important now, he said, “is

the emotion that goes with the industry, which is found in the province’s rich culture and traditions.”

“Mountain Province has been identified as a potential ecotourism and cultural tourism destination because of its existing natural scenic tourist spots and the presence of its rich culture and traditions that remain unblemished,” Millar stressed.

The DoT official pointed out the province must maximize its tourism potential by enticing more local and foreign visitors who can contribute to economic growth in the countryside.

He commended the indigenous peoples of the province for their sustained efforts to preserve and protect their rich culture and traditions that now serve as one of the major tourist attractions patronized by nature lovers and visitors who appreciate the beauty of local culture.

Millar said the DoT managed to feature the Cordillera in one of its major promotional activities in Pasay City last month, and the agency will continue to support the promotion

of tourist destinations to achieve the government’s goal of enticing more visitors to go around the country’s beautiful spots.

As one of the adopted sons of Mountain Province, Millar said he will remain committed to the aggressive promotion of the tourist spots in the province in both the national and international scenes.

Aside from the famous Sagada caves, Maligcong rice terraces, and Mainit hot springs, Mountain Province is known for its towering and majestic mountains, various waterfalls, and river systems in its 10 municipalities.

Millar said the country’s tourism industry remains vibrant following the mileage generated by the country’s hosting of the 2016 Miss Universe beauty pageant.

Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. expressed his gratitude to Millar for his assurance that Mountain Province will be included in the aggressive promotion of various tourist destinations in the country. He said the implementation of major infrastructure in the province over the past several years made tourist areas accessible to local and foreign visitors.

NO TOYING AROUND. Social Security System Chairman Dean Amado Valdez points at a show-cause order posted by the state pension fund against a toy shop in Batangas on Thursday, April 20. Valdez warned all delinquent employers to fulfill their obligations and regularly remit the SSS contributions of their employees. Butch Gunio

DAVAO’S POOREST GAIN 20-KILO SACKS OF TAIWAN RICE A TOTAL of 2,711 indigent families received 20-kilo sacks of Taiwan rice for the first time during a distribution organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ Davao chapter on April 9. The distribution was held in two sessions at the Davao Chong Hua High School.

The event, which is the first relief activity for the Tzu Chi Davao chapter, was spearheaded by local volunteers Jun Herrera and So Peng Kee. Despite the manpower shortage, local Tzu Chi volunteers efficiently used their time to carry out the program, starting from the home visits to the actual rice distri-

bution.

Twelve Tzu Chi volunteers from Manila also pitched in help on the day of the distribution, while 83 local volunteers from the Davao area contributed their time and manpower to ensure the event’s success.

Tzu Chi volunteer Herrera said: “This rice distribution here in Davao has gotten our fellow Davaoeño volunteers excited.

They’re very prepared for the event; even if they have businesses and families of their own to take care of, they set aside their time to join our activity on the whole day.”

During the relief program,

Davao third district Councilor Dr. Bernard Al-ag addressed the crowd, inspiring them to share their blessings with their neighbors, and to spread the spirit of giving.

“What we want from the people of Davao City is to be generous, and to share what they have. So, when you get home after the rice distribution, if you have any neighbors that did not receive any rice, share some of your rice with them.

Afterwards, take a few moments to observe how you feel, you’ll notice a positive change within you if you share your blessings [with others],” said Al-ag.

One of the residents touched by Councilor Al-ag’s words is Haniya Osani, who took the lead in providing for the four families that live under her roof. With close to a dozen mouths to feed—consisting of her children and grandchildren— finding both rice and a viand is a daily challenge for Osani and her fisherman husband.

Upon coming home from the morning session of the rice distribution with her 20-kilo sack of Taiwan rice, the families she takes care of couldn’t help but rejoice at the fact that at least for a little while, the burden of putting food on the table has been lessened.

CAPISSAAN:...

From D1

verse its four-kilometer length.

Part of the multi-chambered cave network are the Lion and Alayan Caves, measuring 4.2 kilometers.

To reach barangay Capissaan, tourists who choose to ride a bus bound for Tuguegarao City must endure a six- to seven-hour travel time before reaching the towns of Bambang or Solano, where they can ride a jeepney bound for the barangay.

It takes about five hours to reach Barangay Capissaan from Manila because of its rough roads.

In 2001, the 1st National Caving Congress Manila was held in Standard NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC this provTODAY Notice is hereby given that Mr. Akihiro Kashiwagi ince, parresigned as Director of Fil-Star Maritime Corporation. He ticularly in was replaced by Mr. Masafumi Odagawa effective June 30, B a r a n g a y 2016 Capissaan, where the Meantime, Mr. Raezon Abner Ballesteros and C/E cave sysArnel M. Gonzales resigned from their post effective tems were February, 2017 earlier disThis notice is in compliance with Revised POEA c o v e r e d Rules and Regulations, Section 12, Rule II, Book H. and gained national

It is touted as the fifth-longest cave system in the country and is ranked among the best geologists’ paradise.

Marichelle Costales, supervising tourism officer for Nueva Vizcaya, said the Capissaan cave is now the major tourist site in the province, attracting young and old tourists alike from here and abroad.

Each year, hundreds of tourists marvel at its beauty—its varying rare calcite formations and unique stalagmite and stalactite features include a subterranean river that adds as a satisfying adventure for one aiming to tra-

(MS-APR. 23, 2017)

recognition.

Tourism officials here said they have placed rules and regulations for tourists looking to visit and trek the cave systems, to protect its natural formations from indiscriminate human activities. Some villagers were also tapped as cave guides to provide employment and livelihood opportunities in the area.

Aggressive information education and communication campaigns are also being conducted among the villagers of Barangay Capissaan and its adjacent areas, to instill environment awareness and protection within the cave system.

The provincial and national governments are pushing to promote the cave as an eco-tourism attraction, Costales said, and one of their major projects is the ongoing completion of the concreting of the road leading to the cave system, making it easier for local and foreign tourists to reach it.

The government of Kasibu is also developing amenities and facilities near the area to provide comfortable and convenient accommodation for tourists.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

EARTHQUAKE AID. Volunteers load relief goods onto a motorized sea vessel for distribution in Tingloy, an island town in Batangas, which was the beneficiary of the recent Operation: Tulong Express mounted by SM Foundation. Just off the southwest coast of the Batangas mainland, Tingloy was the epicenter of the quake that occurred on April 4, and can only be reached through motorized bancas from Batangas City.

SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Malls, SM Markets, Philippine Coast Guard, PDRRM and the Tingloy local government team, assisted earthquake victims by providing 1,452 water and food relief packs (inset picture). The local government of Tingloy said 3,357 families were affected in 15 of the municipality’s barangays.

Included in the relief distribution was Barangay Sta. Clara in Batangas City, which was also affected by the earthquake. It received 348 relief food packs.

Gadgets & Games

D3

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

RADEON RX 500 SERIES: A BALANCE OF FEATURES, PERFORMANCE

Over 8,000 units were sold in concept and dealer stores nationwide since the debut sale last April 1, marking a new era in mobile photography.

T

STRONG START FOR OPPO F3 PLUS IN PH HE groufie revolution has officially begun with the recent three-day tour of OPPO’s flagship dual selfie phone, the F3 Plus.

Over 8,000 units were sold in concept and dealer stores nationwide since the debut sale last April 1, marking a new era in mobile photography.

“The F3 Plus was developed to make it easier to take the best group photos during special occasions or those little moments with friends and family,” OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng said. “The success of our three-day

sale tells us that our newest Selfie Expert answers the growing need for perfect groufies.”

The tour was held simultaneously in SM City Baguio, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Cebu, and GMall Davao. At the Manila leg of the tour, lucky guests were able to catch Gretchen Ho, Ella Cruz, and Ronnie Alonte during the first day of the sale.

O-fans in Cebu also got the chance to take groufies with Ja-

nine Gutierrez, while those based in Davao were thrilled to join Kris Bernal as she demonstrated the new dual selfie camera phone.

The three-day road show welcomed O-fans with fun-filled activities that allowed them to give the F3 Plus a try.

Adding to the 16MP selfie-focused main camera, the 8MP subcamera showed guests how easy it was to take groufies without a selfie stick through its wide, 120-degree angle design.

O-fans were also able to test the built-in Smart Face Recognition feature which prompted them

to switch to “Group Selfie” mode whenever more than three people were detected. OPPO’s Beautify 4.0 photo editing software further made it easy to smoothen out blemishes for flawless results.

Photography enthusiasts in the crowd had their share of excitement after trying out the rear camera. Customized with a Sony IMX398 sensor, the 16MP back camera let O-fans take shots that looked like they were taken by a professional.

For more details about the OPPO F3 Plus, visit https://www.facebook. com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http:// www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.

MULTI-COATED LENSES FOR A MULTI-SCREEN LIFESTYLE MULTI-TASKING is perfect for getting chores done much faster at home.

However, when there is technology involved, you might want to think twice before spending long periods of time in front of multiple screens.

Research from Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, share that one in four kids spend more than three hours a day on gadgets. These studies also show that two in five Millennials, one in three GenX-ers, and one in four Baby Boomers spend at least nine hours between TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices each day. All this eyeballing comes at a cost as more and more people suffer from eye irritation, dryness, blurry vision and even back and neck aches—all symptoms of digital eye strain.

“Digital eye strain can cause discomfort in short term and potential danger to vision in long term,” states Dr. Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Philippines.“It can be made worse with the use of small font size on devices, the increase of amount of blue light emitted by digital

screens, and the total time spent staring at monitors. “ According to further research done by Essilor, continuous absorption of toxic blue light over long periods of time can lead to progressive degeneration of visual cells. It can cause serious vision problems such as cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD. With that in mind, Essilor presents long-lasting eye protection in the form of Crizal® Prevencia multi-coated lenses.

Crizal® Prevencia’s light scan technology selectively filters bad blue light and significantly reduces retinal cell death that causes vision problems. At the same time, it lets in good light that regulates sleep and mood and boosts brain activity. It also benefits from the best Crizal® technology, which protects the wearer from glare, smudges, scratches, dust and water, guaranteeing clear vision in all circumstances.

Given the increased dependence on using digital devices for both business and leisure, exposure to harmful

Two in five Millennials, one in three GenX-ers, and one in four Baby Boomers spend at least nine hours between TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices each day.

blue light is inevitable. However, what can be done is to prevent the onset of vision problems.

“It is better to be cautious and be preventive than face the consequences later on,” remarks Dr. Roleda.

“With Crizal® Prevencia, you minimize

the risk of digital eye strain, can still be able to connect to your digital devices, and maintain a healthy vision.”

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your preferred eye doctor or leading optical shop nationwide, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.

AMD recently introduced the Radeon™ RX 500 series, a new line of graphics cards featuring a powerful combination of improved game performance, higher clock speeds, and a refined 2nd generation Polaris architecture, giving PC gamers the best reasons yet to upgrade their graphics.

The Radeon RX 500 series was designed specifically for system upgrades, catering to the 9 out of 10 PC gamers today who are hindered by outdated technology and aren’t able to enjoy optimal experiences in modern games, smooth VR experiences, or the latest display technologies.1,2 Radeon™ RX 500 series graphics cards feature a variety of the most compelling new technologies and features including: • Optimized DirectX® 12 and Vulkan® gaming—The Radeon™ RX 500 series was engineered using the 2nd generation Polaris architecture. It was specifically designed to perform exceptionally well with low-level, next-generation APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan and it supports asynchronous compute for outstanding game and VR experiences.2 Radeon RX 500 series GPUs have been further refined with higher clock speeds, improved idle and multi-monitor efficiency, and the fine-grained controls gamers need to fine-tune their hardware. Combined with Radeon™ FreeSync Technology, gamers can enjoy smooth framerates in virtually every game released, without the frustration of screen tearing and input lag3 • Improved response times, more efficiency, and cooler operation with Radeon™ Chill—Radeon Chill is an advanced framerate controller for the Radeon™ RX 500 series that works automatically in the background (when enabled) to dynamically regulate framerates in today’s most popular games based on the speed of mouse movements and the gamer’s activity in a scene4 • Awesome streaming, sharing, and gameplay capture with Radeon ReLive— The Radeon™ RX 500 series supports the industry’s most revolutionary solution for capturing, customizing, and sharing gameplay. The Radeon ReLive software suite lets gamers enjoy smooth gaming and recording simultaneously, even on entry-level systems, with support for recording at 4K resolution at 30 and 60 FPS using HEVC and H.264 codecs5. Radeon ReLive also integrates with the most popular game streaming platforms around the world “Radeon RX 500 series was built on the promise that PC gaming isn’t an elite club— that all gamers can enjoy the most advanced graphics technologies.

Our launch today of the Radeon RX 500 series doubles down on that effort. With higher clock speeds, revolutionary gameplay capture software, latency-reduction technology, aggressive Day 0 driver support, open and affordable standards like Radeon FreeSync, and innovative features like Radeon Chill, we know gamers who have been patiently waiting to upgrade will have more than enough reasons to now,” said Scott Herkelman, corporate vice president and general manager, Radeon Technologies Group.

A wide range of Radeon™ RX 500 Series cards will be available to meet the needs of the overwhelming majority of gamers: • Radeon™ RX 580: For smooth 1440p gaming—The Radeon RX 580 delivers up to an average of 57% better performance compared to the Radeon™ R9 380X in testing, delivering smooth gaming in leading AAA games and stunning immersive VR experiences for the Radeon™ RX 580 8GB GDDR 5 graphics card and Radeon™ RX 580 4GB GDDR5 graphics card an SRP starting at Php 12,000 with vat. On shelf on 4/18.

LG DEVELOPS NANO CELL TV TECHNOLOGY WITH WIDER VIEWING ANGLES LG Electronics has published research to identify and analyze consumers’ viewing habits when they watch TV at home.

This research was conducted in cooperation with global market and opinion research company IPSOS. The study revealed that only an average of 4 percent of viewers in the United States and France watch TV sitting directly in front of the screen.

Furthermore, the study goes on to show that more than half of respondents are viewing at angles greater than 15 degrees off-center. In addition, 55 percent of respondents noticed a decrease in picture quality when they moved to a different viewing position.

IPSOS conducted the study on a sample of 100 households in the United States and France

SUPER UHD TV (SJ95)

from January 18th to 31st, 2017.

All households that participated in the study had more than three family members and owned LCD TVs with a screen size of

40-inches or larger.

According to the survey, 55 percent of par ticipants noticed shifts in image quality depending on the angle that

the screen was viewed from.

Respondents used an average T V viewing distance of less than five meters, with nearly 60 percent of viewers watching from a distance between one to three meters.

Many TV reviewers and experts agree that a TV’s viewing angle can have a significant impac t on pic ture quality.

Although the latest high-end LCD TVs deliver enhanced colors, deeper blacks and greater contrast, viewing angle capabilities vary greatly from product to product due to gaps in technological capability and the panels used in the TV. For example, LG’s 2017 Nano Cell SUPER UHD TVs offer the exact same picture to viewers at up to 60 degrees off-axis. In contrast, conventional Quantum Dot LCD

TVs suffer from a color gamut that can be as much as 58 percent smaller when viewed from 60 degrees off-axis, according to tests conducted by LG. The results of IPSOS’ latest study confirms and reinforces the findings of previous research done in Japan and the United States, in regards to the importance of TV viewing angles, by the Japan Ergonomics Society[1] and CBS Vision[2], respectively. “ This new study on consumer viewing habits highlights an important aspect of picture quality in LCD TV technology— wide viewing angles,” said Kim Sang-yeol, senior vice president and head of the TV Product Planning Division at the LG Home Entertainment Company.

“Today, wider viewing angles

are key to creating the best possible viewing experience, as manufacturers are closing the gap in color representation and contrast thanks to enhanced display technologies. This new study underscores our commitment for making every seat the best seat in the home with LG’s Nano Cell SUPER UHD TVs. We will also continue to work on other related technologies until we put an end to the battle over LCD TV sweet spots once and for all.”

Ideal for large, high-resolution TVs, LG SUPER UHD TVs with Nano Cell technology delivers consistent colors at wider viewing angles with virtually no color difference for viewers. LG’s Nano Cell SUPER UHD TVs will be available locally by the last week of April 2017.

D4

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

DISASTER READINESS STRENGTHENED THE Sharp Easy Smart Collection

SHARP EASY SMART: SIMPLE PLEASURES OF TV Smart has been actively coordinating with concerned groups to beef up the Digital Public Safety Emergency Response Systems designed to help LGUs level up their capabilities to respond quickly, efficiently, and accurately to emergency calls from within their city or municipality.

T

HE recent spate of earthquakes that affected various parts of the country underscored the need for preparedness especially for local government units.

Efforts to help improve the preparedness of LGUs on safety and emergency response through communications and digital solutions are being sustained by Smart Communications.

Together with parent PLDT, Smart has been actively coordinating with concerned groups to beef up the Digital Public Safety Emergency Response Systems designed to help LGUs level up their capabilities to respond quickly, efficiently, and

accurately to emergency calls from within their city or municipality.

PLDT and Smart were represented at the recent General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, which gathered over 1,400 municipal mayors in the country, to showcase its various communications solutions to LGUs. Smart also participated in the 10th Philippine Councilors League National Congress, where it highlighted its satellite communications solutions

as the last line of communications during emergencies, particularly during disasters with scale and extent of damage similar to Typhoon Yolanda.

Smart satellite services are deployed to areas where traditional fixed and mobile communications are not available or have been affected by natural and man-made disasters.

“To ensure connectivity even during the most challenging circumstances, we provide mobile and broadband satellite solutions to help our kababayans, particularly those in remote or isolated areas, to get the word out about their situation and seek immediate assistance,”said Joel S. Lumanlan, head of Smart’s Global Access and International Services.

Smart has been providing satellite

services since 2001, and remains the only Philippine telecommunications company to provide mobile and broadband satellite services to date.

It also provides thousands of Filipino seafarers worldwide with satellitebased services, including Marino Link Plus and Marino Phone Pal, which allow them to stay connected with their families even while at sea.

Smart’s mobile satellite solutions were very useful to the government, military and humanitarian organizations during Typhoon Yolanda. As an advocate of disaster preparedness, Smart has made its satellite solutions an integral component of all its preparedness and emergency response programs.

GOSIENGFIAO AMBASSADOR FOR LENOVO LEGION

Ashley Gosiengfiao

FOR Lenovo Philippines, no other celebrity can better represent the hip gaming community than Ashley Gosiengfiao—a top social media influencer, musician, photographer, and most of all, a passionate gamer.

Lenovo today announced the signing of Ashley as its ambassador for Legion, Lenovo’s dedicated brand of gaming PCs that boast powerful processors, high-definition graphics, and stylish, portable design.

As PC gaming continues to grow in popularity throughout the country, Lenovo Legion aims to meet the needs of the increasingly discerning gamer community through empowering them

with powerful and adaptable products that are co-created with gamers. Legion offers a perfect balance between plug & play PC gaming and DIY fl exibility that will keep gamers one step ahead of the competition.

“Ashley is the perfect example of how we see the Lenovo brand.

She’s exceptional, versatile, competitive, and in tune with her audiences,” says Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “Her cheery disposition, adventurous spirit, and the drive to share many of her talents, make Ashley an inspiration to all avid gamers in the Philippines and beyond.”

Ashley shares how lucky and

blessed she feels to be part of the Lenovo Legion family. “I am grateful to Lenovo Philippines for this opportunity and I look forward to representing the Legion brand with pride and enthusiasm. As a gamer and entertainer, I’ve always been a fan of Lenovo products, and I can’t wait to start meeting more gamers out there, and sharing with everyone all the inspiring products and innovations from Legion!”

Ashley graced the launch of Lenovo Legion last January 2017 when she played a game of League of Legends along with other celebrity-gamers.

Watch out for Ashley Gosiengfiao at Lenovo Legion’s upcoming events and activities.

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER WITH HP ORIGINAL INKS GOING on a summer trip— whether on a bike, car, boat, or airplane—or taking a muchneeded vacation in one’s home province, or exploring a new and remote destination always has their share of memorable moments because of the excitement and adventures that they offer.

And to keep the memories of these road trips, island-hopping activities, mountain treks, town fiesta celebrations and beach parties alive long after summer has ended; families and friends never fail to capture the moments through their cameras.

Thankfully, HP enables

people to reinvent memories that never fade and share these through pictures printed using HP printers and Original HP Ink cartridges.

To ensure that summer smiles and colors as vibrant as the sun, will truly last a lifetime when printed on HP Photo Paper, the company has invested more than 500 years of combined experience to develop an innovative ink cartridge technology that uses 36,000 drops of ink per second.

HP Ink’s superior ink quality also boasts of accurate, vibrant colors in permanent ink,

so photographs printed using Original HP cartridges remain fade resistant and free from smudges and streaks, to make your summer adventures— from scuba diving to skydiving, and mounting biking to mountain climbing—truly look vivid and remarkable even on paper, years after.

With its unmatched reliability, the Original HP Ink is designed to work the first time, every time so there are no wasted photos of such exciting moments as reaching the summit of a mountain, your son building his first sandcastle, or your daughter parading

in the local Santacruzan. Its fastdrying and anti-curling properties also prevent costly and inconvenient paper jams.

Original HP Ink’s affordability also allows for more prints at a lower cost so you don’t have to worry about printing hundreds of the wonderful digital images that you snapped during your summer vacation.

Its recycling program also enables HP to make sure its Original HP cartridges will not go to a landfill to help sustain the environment and ensure your family will still get to enjoy the great outdoors next summer.

LIVING the modern life is what most people seem to aspire to nowadays. Especially for the young working force, having the latest gadget or being part of the current trend in fashion, art, or music is an important aspect of their life. And trends, including the advancement of technology, have already weaved their way even in the unlikeliest of industries such as home appliances and the audio-visual category.

While before, home appliances and television sets were considered a basic and practical purchase, today, the category now prides itself as an industry booming with innovations that not only help with the everyday functions of the household, but also amplify the quality of life. From wireless audio devices to automatic and self-cleaning refrigerators and washing machines, the industry is thriving.

It is also no wonder though how rapidly these appliances change and upgrade their features, consistently promising something that is bigger and better all the while unmindful of the products’ tendencies to feel exhausting, confusing, and excessive. Ultimately, instead of making life simple, it further inspires an unmanageable lifestyle.

In this vast world of impressive but expensive technology, going back to basics is sometimes just the key. And there is a new entertainment partner to consider amidst this innovation outburst—the Sharp Easy Smart Collection.

Sharp Easy Smart TVs are complete with the three most basic features of a smart TV: Web Browser, YouTube, and Netflix—visual entertainment and information access in their finest and yet most simplistic.

The line-up boasts no-nonsense apps that only aim to give the best of entertainment and deliver it in the easiest and quickest way. No more multiple log-ins, no more external devices, and no more fumbling with the remote control.

The Easy Smart Collection is also available in Full HD and 4K Ultra HD resolutions, allowing first row access to the visual delights any hit TV series or movies could offer.

While most smart TVs get carried-away with the possibilities of technology, the Easy Smart Collection brings back what was once so great about television: watching in the company of a comfortable couch, a bowl of popcorn, and a fizzy drink—all without the extra fuss of failed wireless access or additional plug-ins.

Start smart and make the easy choice with Sharp’s Easy Smart Collection—smart TV made simple.

Visit the nearest authorized Sharp dealer to know more about the Sharp Easy Smart Collection or visit the Sharp official website www.sharp.ph, Sharp Philippines on Facebook, and @sharp.ph on Instagram.