Ms sect d 20170618 sunday

D1

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs

mslocalgov@gmail.com

PERKS FOR SENIORS, PWDS

MAKATI PAYS OUT P7M FOR MOVIE TICKETS

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Makati City government announced on Saturday it paid five theater owners more than P7 million for the free movie tickets given to elders and persons with disability who availed of the privilege in the city during the first quarter of the year.

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BYE FOR NOW.

A woman walks among sunflowers in a field run by Blooming Petals Agri-Tourism Park—the first of its kind in the country—in Tupi, South Cotabato, before it officially closed this week. The park will reopen in September as the staff replant and prepare the land for the next flowering season. Entrance fees to the park is P30 for adults and P20 for children. Omar Mangorsi

In a report to Mayor Abigail Binay, city chief accountant William Dayrit said his office paid a total of P6,604,171.27 for the free tickets of senior citizens and P486,441.78 for PWDs. The amounts represent the 25-percent share of the city government in the cost of movie tickets used under its free movies program being implemented in partnership with cinema owners in the city, Dayrit said.

Mayor Binay acknowledged the support of the city’s partners, which include ALI Commercial Center Inc. for Glorietta and Greenbelt cinemas, Rockwell Land Corp. for Power Plant cinemas, Century City Development Corp. for Century City Mall cinemas, Willimson, Inc. for Waltermart cinemas, and Adebe Realty Co. Inc. for Cash and Carry cinemas.

“The city government is very grateful to our program partners for sharing our commitment to raising the quality of life of elderly and PWD Makatizens in every way possible. We thank you for your consistent support to this program which has given priceless joy to our beneficiaries for several years now,” she said.

For the period of January to March this year, Makati paid ALI Commercial Center P2,973,700.68 for senior citizens and P215,362.62 for PWD; Rockwell Land Corp., P2,026,421.25 for senior citizens and P157,353.25 for PWD; and Century City Development Corp., P438,558.00 for senior citizens, P29,575.87 for PWD. Other payments made were to Willimson Inc. which received P824,004.35 for senior citizens and P64,926.80 for PWD; and Adebe Realty Co. Inc., P341,486.99 for senior citizens and P19,223.24 for PWD. The program entitles some 77,685 senior citizens and 8,110 registered PWDs of Makati to free admission in any of the previously mentioned cinemas.

The free movies benefit for the elderly started in 1997 with the passage of City Ordinance No. 97-085, appropriating P500,000 as the 25-percent share of the city in cinema admission costs for senior citizens.

The program was institutionalized almost three years later through City Ordinance No. 2001-035 granting the inclusion of appropriations in the annual City Executive Budget for its continuous implementation in succeeding years.

Turn to D2

DUTERTE INDUCTS LADY SOLONS LEAGUE PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte recently administered the oath of office to the newly-elected national officers of the Lady Local Legislators League (4L) of the Philippines during a mass induction of local officials held at the Malacañang Palace.

The group is headed by Masbate Vice Gov. Kaye Revil (eighth from left in photo), who is also the public relations officer of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines.

4L is the national league of lady lawmakers from the provincial to the barangay levels aimed at enhancing governance through sensitive legislation.

Directors members Butuan people-centered and genderAlso in photo are Board of City councilor Rema Burdeos;

Local Gov’t Units

Impasug-ong, Bukidnon councilor Mai Okinlay Gumban; Taytay, Rizal councilor Pia Cabral; Mabini, Bohol councilor Myra Colis; vice president for Visayas Eastern Samar board member Karen Alvarez; executive vice president Laguna Vice Gov. Karen Agapay; secretary-general Pola, Oriental Mindoro Vice Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz; vice president for Luzon San Manuel, Tarlac Vice Mayor Doña Cresencia Tesoro; Dasmariñas City, Cavite councilor Pay Poblete Tapawan; Quezon councilor Yna Liwanag Asistio; and vice president for Mindanao Compostela Valley Nena AtamosaCalim.

VIZCAYA TOWN HONORS ‘BUGKALOTS’

By Ben Moses Ebreo KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya— Garbed in their native attire, Bugkalots from all over the province flocked in Barangay Poblacion in this town to join other indigenous people in their recent celebration of the annual ‘Pugungan’ Festival.

Excitement was etched in the faces of young Bugkalots as they performed their native dances and songs including their hunting practices and their skills in playing indigenous musical instruments.

This year’s ‘Pugungan’ or gathering was conceived to promote and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Bugkalot tribe in Nueva Vizcaya.

“Our festival was intended to showcase and promote the Bugkalot culture and tradition in recognition of their being the first settlers of our municipality,” said Mayor Alberto ‘Chito’ Bumolo Jr. He said the Bugkalots have long been laid their ancestral domain claim in the vast forest and mountains of Nueva Vizcaya, especially in upland towns.

Holding the ‘Pugungan’ Festival, Bumolo said it will help promote and foster camaraderie and friendship between the Bugkalots and other tribes of their municipality where ifugaos compose its major population.

“This positive relationship between the tribe will result into a peaceful coexistence which is an important component of development and progress,” the mayor said.

“Thirty years ago, the Bugkalot tribe are the dominant tribe in barangays Talbec, Sanguit and New Gumiad in Dupax del Sur, several barangays in Dupax del Norte and six barangays of Alfonso Castañeda,” said Rep. Carlos Padilla.

The yearly holding of tribal festival’s such as the ‘Pugungan’ in Kasibu town and ‘Ammungan’ of the province are helping much in the collaborative effort to preserve and promote the Bugkalot culture and tradition.

Also known as Ilongots or Ibilaos, the Bugkalots were the known and feared headhunting tribe in Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora provinces before the Spanish era.

Their transformation into Christianity came with the teachings of missionaries from the New Tribes Mission, backed by local officials in the said provinces.

Bungkalots’ head hunting practice finally came to a halt in the 1980s as most of the tribe have embraced the Christian belief.

At present, few Bugkalots are now scattered in the upland towns of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora provinces.

“They are versatile tribe. Those who have lived in Aurora province knows how to speak Tagalog, those in Nueva Vizcaya adopted Ilocano while others have adopted the Isinai dialect,” Padilla said.

SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY BASH AT ‘EK’ IN CELEBRATION of Father’s Day on June 18, Enchanted Kingdom treats our beloved dads to a magical day out.

EK pays tribute to all fathers who deserve to spend a day of enchanting moments with his family by offering a “Dads Come In Free” promo. Check out this fun-filled treats from the county’s premier theme park and create a perfect day to let your dad know how much you appreciate him.

A perfect Father’s Day gift is a fun day where they can enjoy worry-free bonding moments with the family. EK offers a special promo where “Dads Come In Free” for every purchase of 4 Agila and Park tickets.

The package, which is worth P4,300,

is inclusive of a group meal for 5 at the Amazon Grill and a raffle entry for an SKK smartphone. This magical treat is available all weekends from June 17 until July 16 only.

Enjoy an exciting afternoon of science, technology, innovation and creativity with EKstra Special Daddy & Me Robotics Class at the Boardwalk Party Place. Available sessions are 3: p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Get ready for fun activities, games and exciting prizes.

This event is in partnership with Felta and Lego Education Philippines.

Catch the winners of ABS-CBN’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” as they perform an extravagant concert at Enchanted Kingdom on Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m. at the Agila Grounds.

See the First Grand Champion Kid Jhon Clyd Talili of Surigao del Sur live on stage with his vocal prowess together with the finalists, Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto, Sheena Belarmino and Francis Concepcion. The runners-up namely, Sidro Quilicol, Shaina Allaga, John Jamiel and John Ramirez will also take part in the musical concert. Don’t miss this chance to witness the power of vocal greatness.

Dads will surely enjoy a magical day at EK, where they can spend a day of thrilling adventure and bring home more enchanting memories! To know more about the Father’s Day promo and other EKciting activities, please visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call (02) 5843535 or (02) 8303535.

SAFE WATER FOR ALL. Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi inspects

the newly constructed Water Laboratory Facility at the City Health Office, Centennial Avenue, Tunasan recently. Muntinlupa opened the CHO’s Glass Cellar Division Bacteriological Area, a first in South of Metro Manila, to check and monitor the chemical content of drinking water in the city as preventive measure against water-borne illnesses.

LGUs

D2

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PCSO, POLICE MONITOR ‘DOBLE CARA’ IN NEGROS IN RESPONSE to the government’s effort to stamp out illegal gambling activities and support the operation of expanded Small Town Lottery implemented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office nationwide, the Philippine National Police is monitoring 11 illegal gambling personalities in Negros Oriental.

This was based on the report submitted by Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office Director Police Sr. Supt.

Henry F. Binas to Police Regional Office 18 Director Police Chief Supt. Renato Amador Gumban.

In his report, Binas said they are monitoring the movement of 11 personalities known to be engaged in illegal gambling activities in their areas.

They were named as Salvador “Jun” Garet, Bryan/Ryan Regalado, Bambie Calumpang, Pedro Divinagracia alias “Batchoy,” Raner Divinagracia alias “Roner,” Orlando Fonollera alias “Lando,” Marlou D. Ablay alias “Marlo” Florendo D. Balubar Jr. alias “Bongbar,” Rizaldee S. Cortez alias “Ady,” Tom Aledro, and Michael Vincent Lopera alias “Alo.” Based on the report, Garet is a close friend of Bambie Calumpang, who was engaged in illegal gambling activities operated through cellular phone and text messages. “The latter is willing to go on STL but could not afford to raise the amount for his bond on Four Aces so he can to be allowed to handle STL in Tanjay City,” the report added.

Accordingly, Bambie tried to borrow money from his friend Jun to raise the P5-million bond required by Four Aces so he can be allowed to handle STL in Tanjay City, the police report said.

Batchoy reportedly has a Lotto outlet in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, police said.

His brother Raner was previously into illegal gambling, but when the STL started the latter stopped his operation and secured certification from their barangay captain saying that he is no longer into illegal gambling.

Just like Raner, Fonollera, Ablay, Balubar, Cortez and Aledro were previously engaged in illegal gambling, but stopped when the STL started in their areas.

Lopera, on the other hand, joined STL under Benny Arsenias in Pamplona, but the operation was withdrawn due to allegation of being engaged in “doble cara” (two-faced or double-sided).

Binas assured PCSO police will continuously monitor the movement of the said personalities and if they resume their illegal activities, the PNP will immediately arrest against them to ensure there is no illegal gambling activity in the area.

“Whenever any of them resumes any illegal activities, a police operation will be conducted to ensure that no illegal numbers game will sprout again in our area of responsibility,” Binas said.

He said the PNP is also monitoring possible “doble cara” STL operations due to the report that some police operatives arrest personalities believed to be using STL only as front to avoid arrest and continue to remit some of their collected bets to their illegal financiers.

As of June 16, 2017, the PNP already conducted 4,563 anti-illegal gambling operations nationwide that resulted in the arrest of 10,561 persons and confiscation of P4,693,295 in bets.

MAKATI...

From D1

In 2006, the perk was also granted to registered PWDs of Makati through the enactment of City Ordinance No. 2006-066.

All they have to do is present their senior citizens Identification card or PWD ID card, together with their citygovernment issued movie tickets booklet, at the ticket booths whenever they go to any of the said cinemas.

In 2016, cinema partners were paid a total amount of P23.2 million, as follows: P21,081,297.20 for senior citizens and P2,203,721.54 for PWD. This year, the city government has allocated P35 million for the movie tickets of senior citizens and P4 million for PWDs. Senior and PWD Makatizens also enjoy other benefits from the city.

Makati “señoritas” and “señoritos” receive birthday and golden wedding anniversary cakes, and bags of groceries every December.

Under the BLU Card program, senior citizens are also entitled to cash gifts given in two equal instalments every June and December. Those who are 60 to 69 years old receive P3,000; 70 to 79 years old, P4,000; and 80 years and older, P5,000.

To date, 38 Makati centenarians have been awarded with P100,000 cash gift, also under the BLU Card Program.

PWDs in Makati are also granted the Access Display Card, a special car sticker for private vehicles they use that entitles them to being given priority for a parking space anywhere within Makati, as mandated by City Ordinance No. 2006-036.

They also have the PWD transport ID card plus, which entitles them to fare discounts on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), provincial buses and local transport groups.

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LEPANTO PIONEERS ESL IN PH MINING INDUSTRY

ANKAYAN, Benguet— Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., one of the oldest mining companies in the country, has pioneered the operation of an engineered sanitary landfill in the Philippine mining industry.

The ESL, constructed in an area near Lepanto’s mill site is designed to contain residual wastes from households within the mining community and nearby barangays in Mankayan, Benguet.

Lepanto started utilizing the ESL since January of this year, according to Mine Environment

Protection and Enhancement Department manager Rolando Reyes.

Reyes said that the ESL construction cost Lepanto over P4 million with the main ESL component fast-tracked and completed in less than two months utilizing 30 locally hired workers while the other components, i.e., the material recovery facility and the project site office, will be completed by June 2017.

The two-meter wide concrete base of the ESL can withstand strong typhoons with its slope planted with tiger grass and sunflowers and further stabilized by coco-fiber.

The ESL site is covered with a high-density polyethylene liner, ensuring that liquid waste is filtered towards the leachate tank where it is bio-remediated or detoxified using naturally-

occurring organisms prior to discharge.

Baguio journalists who toured the ESL site noted that it was odor-free.

Reyes said the ESL has a life of four years but this may be expanded to serve the community for another two years.

He added that this early, Lepanto is already negotiating with community residents for a potential new site for the next ESL. Meanwhile, in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, LCMCO said that, following TUV Rheinland Philippines’ audit of the Environmental Management System of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. on March 22-24, 2017, it has been recommended that the ISO 14001 certification of Lepanto dated May 12, 2016 be maintained.”

Dexter A. See

BISTEKVILLE 9 LAUNCH. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista leads national and city government officials in

a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the inauguration of the Bistekville 9 housing project along Nenita Extension at Barangay Gulod in Novaliches on Friday. The project, made up of 192 three-storey walk-up condominium units, forms part of the city government’s continuing effort to provide decent resettlement areas for the city’s underprivileged residents. To date, more than 20 Bistekville housing projects are being developed by the city government. With the mayor are Cabinet Secretary and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council concurrent chairman Leoncio Evasco; Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chairman and chief executive officer Terry Ridon, and other city and barangay officials. Manny Palmero

PAMPLONA’S INDIGENOUS BIOETHANOL BARED

By Abe Almirol THE town of Pamplona, Cagayan in the far end of northern Luzon takes pride of its success in the operation of backyard-based distilleries that supplies “rubbing alcohol” sanitizer to a hospital in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Local travel writer Benjamin De Yro was elated when he saw a wonderful livelihood in Barangay Cabaggan in Pamplona town while his group was exploring the Malagabavi falls in Marag Valley in the town of Luna, Apayao Province —a tourist destination in a frontier known in the ‘90s as a haven of the communist New People’s Army.

“Barangay Captain Crisanta Leaño

said the distillery has a capacity of 850 liters of production in a day,” reported De Yro. Nipa (Nypa fruticans) is a known rich source of bioethanol. The successful tapping of abundant indigenous material paved way to the establishment of the “first local trading center of ethanol supply in the country,” according to De Yro. Scientists at the Don Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte has selected Barangay Cabaggan as the site of the distillery project. DMMSU, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Energy and the LGUs joined hands to upgrade the operation of the local distilleries, De Yro added.

A village-based distillery in Barangay Cabaggan, Pamplona, Cagayan uses the indigenous knowledge in distillery operation that dates back to the production of traditional ‘binarayang‘ liquor. Benjamin De Yro

SHARING YOUR EXTRAS AT SM STORE

Children under the catechetical program of San Bartolome de Novaliches Parish were some of the beneficiaries of The SM Store and SM Foundation’s Share Your Extras project. In photo are Lucena Calamayan, president of 1-Aasenso Pinoy, Father Noel Bacasnut, and Jun Senor of San Bartolome Parish.

Also present during the turnover were SM Representatives headed by The SM Store Fairview Branch Marketing manager Marrie Garcia and Customer Service manager Eds Castillo.

THE SM Store’s recent “Share Your Extras” campaign brought smiles to thousands of family members all over the Philippines as they received slippers and clothes from SM shoppers.

A joint project of The SM Store and SM Foundation, Share Your Extras encouraged customers to clean their closets, and share their pre-loved clothes and slippers with the less fortunate. Booths, where they could also buy new slippers, were set up in all SM Store branches nationwide for this purpose.

Each donation entitled a customer to a P50 coupon which can be redeemed for every minimum P500 single receipt purchase of regularpriced items from the Children’s Shoes Department of The SM Store.

Customers were very generous with their donations, and Share Your Extras was able to gather a total of 28,687 pieces of clothes and slippers from all The SM Store branches nationwide.

These were in turn brought much joy to recipients when distributed to various Social Action Centers in the Metro area and in the provinces.

Among these were the San Bartolome de Novaliches Association, the Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission (LASAC), Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) and Social Action Center of Bacolod.

Share Your Extras is one of the ways The SM Store reaches out to the communities. Other store-based projects include Donate-A-Book, Gamot Para sa Kapwa and Share-A-Toy.

Gadgets & Games

OPPO A57: BUDGET FRIENDLY BUT PACKED WITH FEATURES

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PPO is introducing the A57, the newest A-series device that brings users a flagshiplevel 16 MP selfie front camera, bokeh enabled selfies, lightning-fast solid-state fingerprint scanner, a long-lasting battery with a perfect 5.2” body size that perfectly holds grip at a price of Php 11,990.

FREEBIES UP FOR GRABS IN LG G6 PROMO

• Superior sound— The G6’s unmatched picture quality is well-complemented by its Hi-Fi Quad DAC feature with produces rich and powerful audio.

• Camera and UX 6.0—The camera technology of the G6 is also naturally advanced with its standard and wide angle settings for both rear and front cameras, dual 13MP rear cameras (including a 125-degree lens on the wide angle) and

an expanded 100-degree field of view with the wide angle 5MP front camera. The G6 features Android’s first-ever Square Camera Mode, with a function that can divide the 18:9 screen into two identical squares for simultaneous photo taking, editing and uploading, as well as creative Instagram shots. Users can also up their food photography game with the popular Food Mode function.

• IP68 protection standard and durability— The G6’s durability is further developed with its water, dust and overheating resistance. It can be immersed in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes, and users can worry less about accidental drops and other rough environments during everyday use. For greater reliability against overheating, the G6 is designed with a metal frame and heat pipe to dissolve heat. The powerful device has passed 14 different militarystandard 810G tests involving rain, fog, humidity and temperature, among others.

For more details on the promo, visit lg.com/ph, like @LGMobilePH on Facebook and follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR PH BUSINESS THE age of intelligence is here. Today there is an immense opportunity for enterprises to differentiate themselves from the competition by leveraging big data and advanced analytics solutions.

This was the key lesson learned at Data Amp, an online event staged by leading enterprise cloud provider Microsoft. At the event, Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, Microsoft Cloud + Enterprise, and Joseph Sirosh, corporate vice president, Microsoft Data Group, demonstrated the possibilities offered by big data and cloud technology, and provided insights on how innovation in data, intelligence and analytics help companies achieve true digital transformation.

The Philippines is itself seeing a boom in cloud adoption, both in the public and private sectors. The Philippine government, following the establishment of the Department of Information and Communications Technology in 2016, has adopted a “cloud first” policy in order to provide improved services to citizens. Many private companies are followingsuit,withorganizationslikeManila Water demonstrating how digital transfor-

AMA TIPS: HOW TO SURVIVE IN AN ONLINE SCHOOL WHILE online learning has removed physical and geographical boundaries that inhibit learning, it also presents new challenges for students looking to subscribe to its system. Overcoming distractions, managing priorities, and getting ahead of the game are arguably tougher for online students who mostly guide themselves in completing their courses and finishing their degrees.

AMA Online Education believes that hurdling these challenges starts with simple steps that allow for a balance of priorities. Whether you are a current or prospective student, below are tips that can help you as an online enrollee this coming school year.

The A57 sports a 16MP front camera similar to that of the F1s, with a new bokeh feature. It has a f/2.0 aperture lens, Beautify 4.0, palm shutter gesture and OPPO’s Screen Flash feature for amazing selfies even at dim lighting conditions.

The A57’s rear camera pairs a Sony IMX258 sensor with a large f/2.2 aperture.

The rear camera of the A57 uses a Sony IMX258 sensor paired with a large F2.2 aperture that provides high light sensitivity and clarity OPPO A57 offers the best value and performance in a budget, that works even in night setup. It right size, performance, style and price for everyone also has Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) that delivers an auto focus time of as little as 0.1 seconds, The A57’s triple-slot card tray 5 . 2 - i n c h u n i b o d y w i t h 2 . 5 D perience to a broader market. said and Ultra-HD mode allows users means users can enjoy the flex- Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 screen. Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines to capture stunningly detailed 52 ibility of two 4G SIM cards, while The A57 manages to pack a power- Brand Marketing Manager. “The A57 MP images. still expanding storage by up to an ful 2900 mAh battery, providing just brings consumers premium photogadditional 256 GB. One of the few the right weight in the hand and raphy and advanced features, the Flagship-level Touch Access smartphones in its price range to offering excellent battery life per- best that is offered in its price range.”

The A57’s sports a flagship- feature this. formance. Leveraging smart power Cheng added. level solid-state fingerprint scanoptimizations in ColorOS 3.0 (based The A57 will be available in colors ner that is very responsive and Strong, seamless, on Android 6.0), the A57 clocks in at Gold and Black, in all OPPO concept reliable. The reader uses a hydro- long-lasting performance 11 hours of continuous video watch- and dealer stores nationwide startphobic zirconium surface, which The A57 cruises on a new 1.4GHz ing, 23 hours on the phone, or about ing June 16, 2017 for Php11,990. operates on the same principle as Snapdragon 435 Octa-core proces- 13.5 hours in a scenario of varied For more details about the a naturally water-resistant lotus sor and 3 GB RAM, ensuring snappy continued use.

OPPO A57, please visit https:// leaf, giving the the fingerprint performance and seamless multi“Filipinos love taking selfies. With www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or scanner a boosted success rate tasking for today’s generation. the spectacular success of F1s, we log on to http://www.oppo.com/ even when finger is moist.

Even in its attractively slight thought of bringing the same ex- ph/index.html.

FOR those who are interested in getting the multi-award-winning social media phone LG G6, now might be the ideal time. Not only did the G6’s retail price mark down from Php 37,990 to Php 34,990, but every G6 purchase now also comes with a premium case and a 64GB micro SD card, amounting to a total of Php 3,000 worth of free items. The promo is available in selected LG dealer stores nationwide and will run until July 31, 2017.

Available in Astro Black, Ice Platinum and Mystic White colors, the LG G6 projects itself as the ideal social media smartphone for today’s digitally-savvy users. Among its unique selling points are: • FullVision display—The G6 has a 5.7-inch QHD+ FullVision display and the industry’s first 18:9 screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience, all encased in a sleek, minimalist body. It’s also the first smartphone to support Dolby Vision and HDR 10 formats, which are world standards for picture technology, enabling users to enjoy videos, movies and TV series in stunning imagery.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

mation can at once improve operational efficiencies and overall service delivery.

“This is a key moment for companies that wish to go digital,”says Herns Hermida, Cloud and Enterprise Business Group Lead.

“Already we’ve seen how Microsoft cloud services give our local partners better business data than ever before, and the tools they need to put that data to good use. That the Philippine government itself is going all-out for the cloud is testament to the benefits offered by digital transformation.”

A recent McKinsey research study found that companies that use analytics extensively are twice as likely to outperform the competition in terms of sales, profit, growth and ROI. This has manifested in a rapid adoption of big data and cloud services – a trend that is only expected to accelerate.

According to IDC, the worldwide revenues for big data and business analytics will grow from $130.1 billion in 2016 to more than $203 billion in 2020.

The top three benefits emerging across multiple industries and use cases, as well as a glimpse into how Microsoft customers are

accelerating their digital transformation, are explained below.

1. Optimize manufacturing with real-time analytics Manufacturers large and small have transformed by capturing and analyzing live streaming data from production lines. Hershey Company uses big data and advanced analytics services on Azure to optimize licorice production using intelligent sensors on factory line extruders.This“internet of licorice” allows Hershey to dynamically manage production. Deschutes Brewery, an American craft brewery,uses big data and advanced analytics services to drive operational efficiency and saves an average of 48 hours for every batch of beer it brews. Deschutes achieved this by optimizing its production process through real- time data analytics, saving millions of dollars in expansion costs.

2. Make decisions fast with accessible data insights Modern banks thrive on data, but accessible insights from this data are the true differentiator. Heartland Bank, a leading New Zealand bank, wanted a new analytics

platform that would give its business users direct access to customer credit insights and performance KPIs. Its legacy analytics systems were only accessible to IT, and hence delayed decision-making. Using SQL Server R Services, Hartland built a new, open platform that’s not just accessible for business users, it’s also faster than anything it used before. “We are using R Server to build a data-first culture at the bank by ensuring that executives have the numbers to back up their instincts,”says Chris Murray, head of Enterprise Data at Heartland Bank.

3. Cut costs with intelligent demand forecasting Gaining value from historical data to better predict future needs can increase efficiency and save costs. Carnival Maritime churned an ocean of data to improve demand forecasting. Keeping track of the consumption of water onboard a cruise ship is a complex equation.

Carnival used Cortana Intelligence Suite to better predict how much water a ship will need for a specific route, saving each ship more than $200,000.

Establish routines for better time management

Managing expectations is the first step towards optimizing your learning experience. Always remember that while classes are conducted online, learning through an online program requires just as much work as a traditional classroom. Procrastination in an output-based system is a habit you would not want to develop.

Find a system that effectively weaves in your school work with other activities.

Start by getting into the habit of regularly checking your e-mails or your school’s learning management system to keep up to speed with new projects, tests, and announcements.

Visualize your upcoming projects, exams, and tasks by crafting to-do lists, and plotting out your schedule on a planner or even your mobile phone. Keep track of your progress by updating your to-do list to make sure you don’t miss anything important, and help you allocate time and effort.

Quality workspace and gadgets spell productivity

Investing in a quality workspace that allows you to focus on your coursework is important. A workspace helps you to segment your school work from other tasks. When taking your classes, a clutterfree space that allows you to concentrate is best.

Ensure your gadgets are also upto-date by installing necessary applications, and implementing software updates as needed. Find yourself a reliable service provider or a location with a stable internet connection to avoid unnecessary hassles. For online learners, technology is essential to helping you accomplish your work in a timely and efficient manner.

Keep laser focus amid distractions

An organized workspace is futile if you are subject to many personal distractions.

Learn to lessen your social-media use while you listen to your lectures or browse through important course readings. This way, you create headspace that help streamline your study process.

Normal classroom settings typically discourage the use of social media during class hours. Challenge yourself to mirror the learning environment in traditional schools.

Go beyond the limitless walls of an online classroom

Take learning to the next level by exploring resources beyond what is available in your online library or discussed in your online classes. Utilize the internet and the information available on the web to learn beyond the syllabus. While course materials such as online books are helpful, doing extra research goes a long way in retaining knowledge.

From specialized websites to video tutorials, the internet is full of tools that can help you learn at a faster and more comprehensive rate. But do remember to critically evaluate your sources for credibility.

MOTOROLA...

From D4 front camera supported by a selfie light.

Posting these photos while on the go to share with friends and family will not be a problem with the smartphone’s 4G capabilities. The 8GB built-in storage capacity, expandable to 32GB with a microSD card, allows users to access their favorite memories anytime and anywhere.

Availability and Pricing

With the new Motorola smartphones, one’s mobile experience is taken to the next level. The Moto C is available starting June 15 for P3, 699 and the Moto C Plus is priced at P6, 299. Pricing for the Moto E4 Plus starts at P8, 999 available at major Lenovo retailers nationwide by the end of June.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

VIVO V5S: BEST GROUFIE PHONE IN ITS PRICE RANGE

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ELFIE-CENTRIC smartphone brands have slowly dominated the mobile market in the Philippines, given their relatively low prices compared to other giant international brands.

Knowing the consumers’ love for selfies or selfportrait shots, these brands are appealing to prospective buyers by boasting of their respective camera features.

Since it entered the Philippine market, top five premium global brand1 Vivo has successfully captured the hearts of selfie-loving Filipinos with its “perfect selfie” V5 line, the latest of which is the new Vivo V5s. Launched just in May, the V5s already proves to be the best smartphone deal compared to other brands in its price range.

Equipped with a 20-megapixel front camera with f2.0 aperture, the V5s takes crystal-clear and headturning selfies for just a price of P14,990.

But the newest and most exciting feature of the V5s is the Group Selfie technology, which allows panoramic and up-close panning effects in “groufies” or group shots, without squeezing in our missing out anyone in the barkada.

This new feature’s portrait and landscape orientations likewise

Marvel at Vivo’s new “perfect selfie” V5s phone that brandishes a 20-megapixel front camera, enhanced selfie tools like the Selfie Softlight, and the newest Group Selfie technology.

help capture outdoor ‘groufies’ or family portraits without needing to squeeze in or cut out anyone.

The V5s’ 20-MP sensor guarantees that the smallest of details can be captured in your selfies. The lightsensing area is larger than usual at 1/2.78 inch. This allows more light to come in which in turn enhances photo brightness.

Its high-end front camera is also supported by its 13-megapixel rear camera with f2.2 aperture and an ultra-high-definition mode that can render stunning ultra HD images of up to 52 megapixels.

Another edge of the V5s over its competitors is its all-new and improved Selfie Soflight that is now even softer, making one’s face and

skin tone look even brighter even in poor lighting conditions, no matter what time of the day.

The Vivo V5s also uses Face Beauty 6.0, a face-retouching and skincare tool that makes your selfies look even more radiant. The V5s’ Face Beauty mode 6.0 has three new features, namely buffing, whitening, and skin tone. This can also tailor more user-specific solutions based on one’s skin condition and features.

Unlike most smartphones that allows user to log in to only one account for social media applications, the V5s also introduced its App Clone feature that can run two accounts using the same app. This is very useful to millennials and professionals who want to better separate their personal and social lives online.

As for its appearance, the V5s’ slimmer bezels make it smaller in size than any ordinary 5.5-inch smartphones, making it easier and more comfortable to grip. The V5s is also more resilient and protected than most mobile phones’ screen glass because of its 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass that also gives it a more minimalistic and elegant design.

Other notable features of the V5s include its 4G RAM and 64GB internal memory, Hi-Fi music technology, and 0.2-second fingerprint unlocking.

For what it’s worth, the new Vivo V5s is indeed the best smartphone deal for selfie-loving Filipinos.

For inquiries about Vivo V5s, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph, or check out their Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/ VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram. com/ vivophil/) and Twitter (https:// twitter.com/vivophil) accounts.

MOTOROLA PHONES FOR YOUTH GENERATION MILLENNIALS today are highly driven, dynamic and always on-the-go. To reward this go-getter and hustle attitude, this vibrant group only chooses to get the best things in life, whether they’re choosing between restaurants, picking the right gadget or getting hyped up for their travel plans. For the latter, only highly functional and feature-packed gadgets can keep up. And this is why Motorola is releasing three new powerful smartphones that address Filipino millennials’ diverse needs without draining their wallets: the Moto C, Moto C Plus, and Moto E4 Plus, which feature stylish builds and power-packed features ready to accompany Filipino society’s young and mighty in all their adventures.

Moto C Plus: Power that Moves You

On-the-go, busy users can take their mobile life to the next level with the Moto C Plus’s battery power. Unlike most smartphones in the market today, the Moto C Plus has a 4,000mAh battery that can last up to 30 hours, which means users never have to worry about running out of juice while going through their day’s travels.

Step up to the high-definition life with the Moto C Plus. Its 5-inch HD display ensures optimal viewing of photos and movies for a richer multimedia entertainment. Swipe through favorite movies and heavy-duty game while

waiting for the next flight. Worry not about posting all the stunning snapshots of travels with the phone’s 8MP rear camera, and capture crystal-clear selfies with the 2MP front camera.

Moto C: Make a Smart Move

The Moto C is a powerful smartphone that gets the job done without hurting the pocket.

Running on a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and Android 7.0 Nougat OS, the Moto C is a milMoto E4 Plus: The Best of What Matters lennial’s trusted everyday essential. Its 5-inch Travel buffs can step up their game with the display lets users watch and enjoy photos and Moto E4 Plus, Lenovo’s answer to mobile users’ videos with greater detail and clarity. thirst for more. The embedded 5,000mAh battery Take at-the-moment provides nonstop fun and connectivity, emsnapshots even in powering users to do more, enjoy more and get low-light conditions more out of life. with the Moto C’s 5MP Enjoy movie time while sitting through the rear camera with an ride, with the Moto E4 Plus’ 5.50-inch full-HD LED flash. Capture grand display fashionably enfolded in smooth selfie moments with the metal for a sleek and stylish feel. Snap Turn to D3 and share heart-stopping sceneries with friends and loved ones with the smartphone’s high-end 13MP rear camera.

Take social-media ready selfies with its front camera that boasts 5MP resolution. Never worry about where to store tons of photos with 16GB to 32GB internal storage capacity.

For the young and tech-savvy users who are all about convenience, the Moto E4 Plus offers enhanced phone and data security with a simple interface.

2MP Moto E4 Plus

HOME CREDIT SURVEY REVEALS MILLENNIALS' PREFERENCES HOME Credit, a Prague-based fintech company that provides in-store financing of smartphones and other goods, recently conducted a survey among 600 job applicants, to gain insights on their career and workplace preferences.

With close to 80 percent of the respondents falling under the 18-29 range—Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) itself is an employer to more than 4,800 millennials, or 82 percent of HCPH’s nearly 6,000-strong workforce—the survey revealed a number of key insights regarding the career and workplace preferences of millennials, considered by many companies as key targets for recruitment.

Work location a key consideration

In the survey, respondents were asked to choose between two opposing choices per category, such as working close to home versus working in a top business district. For this category, the results showed that millennials are virtually split between preferring to work close to home (48 percent), or work in a top business district (52 percent). A similar split is seen from respondents 30 years old and up, with 49 percent wanting their office to be near home.

Good benefits trump high basic pay

Respondents were also asked to choose between having a high basic pay, or getting good benefits for themselves as well as their loved ones. 67 percent of Home Credit’s 30 years old and above respondents chose having good benefits for their families over simply having a high basic salary.

On the other hand, an even higher percentage of millennials—73 percent—chose good benefits for loved ones over high basic pay, possibly an indicator of Filipinos’ strong familyoriented culture, even among modern millennials.

Work-life balance is a must

Respondents were also quizzed on working long hours and getting commensurate overtime pay, versus having work-life balance. For both the millennial and 30-and-up segments, workaholics comprise a very small minority, as an overwhelming 76 percent of surveyed millennials put a premium on work-life balance, almost equal to the 77 percent preference rate of the 30-and-above group.

Size (and name) matters

The survey also asked respondents how much they care about the name or image of the company they work for, specifically on whether they prefer to work at a big-name company, or help a startup grow.

The results indicate that 54 percent of young respondents would rather work for a big company than a start-up, while 46 percent said that they prefer helping a start-up grow.

The discrepancy is even smaller for thirtysomethings, with 48 percent preferring to work at a big company and 52percent wanting to offer their services to a start-up.

Are millennials job hoppers?

The survey also sought to determine whether millennials are prone to moving from one job or company to another. 86 percent of Home Credit’s millennial respondents said that they prefer to grow their careers in the same company—with the 30-and-above group having the exact same rate.

PLDT HOME LAUNCHES ROKU-POWERED TVOLUTION IT’S here! PLDT Home creates history once again with the launch of Asia’s first Roku PoweredTM TVolution.

The country’s leading digital services provider introduces the game-changing device, Roku PoweredTM TVolution, an all-in-one, plug-and-play box that will take TV viewing to a whole new level with its worlds of entertainment.

With this all-in-one powerful box, you can watch HD TV channels from Cignal, the Philippines’ largest pay TV provider; biggest selection of top Hollywood, Asian regional, and local TV shows and movies from iflix, the world’s lead-

ing Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) service for emerging markets; critically-acclaimed TV series and films from Netflix, the world’s leading internet television network; over a billion hours of videos every single day from YouTube, the world’s largest streaming website; plus over 100 free streaming channels. This means easy, one-click access to all your favorite entertainment content without having to switch between multiple boxes.

For families whose viewing habits have evolved into individual screen viewing – whether through mobile, tablet, or PCs

– they can now enjoy all their favorite shows on TV. The Roku PoweredTM TVolution brings Filipino families together by allowing them to bond over extensive selection of video entertainment in one convenient screen.

“PLDT Home has always been at the forefront of innovation, both in technology and in content, and today, we mark another milestone for internet TV, not just in the Philippines, but also in the region,” PLDT FVP and Home Business Head Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. said. “The Roku PoweredTM TVolution will change the way Filipino families enjoy entertainment together in the com-

forts of their homes. We look forward to ushering in the new age of family video entertainment, thanks to our partners.”

A new era in entertainment

To mark this breakthrough innovation and partnership, PLDT Home recently hosted an exclusive launch at the posh Shangri-La at the Fort. The powerhouse event brought together industry titans, led by PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and A-list celebrities and influencers, with no less than Miss Universe 2015 and PLDT Home ambassador Pia Wurtzbach hosting the night’s affairs.

PLDT Home, led by PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and renowned partners welcome the new age of family video entertainment with the Roku PoweredTM TVolution box.